We welcome you with open arms, Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Dearest Henrikh,

Reports have begun to circulate that you are linked with a move to Liverpool. As each day turns into night, the coverage on your transfer has grown stronger. People close to Shakthar say your arrival at Anfield is imminent. I hope they are right. I hope that every newspaper that has linked you to Liverpool proves accurate. You see – we don’t really boast a good track record with players linked with us. A prime example was last year when Tottenham hijacked our moves for Clint Dempsey and Gussi Sigurdsson, who if had joined Liverpool, we would have possibly finished in the top 4. With you, it could be different. At least I hope so faithfully. There are rumors linking you elsewhere which simultaneously propel my sanguinity towards pleading you to join the Reds.

You could wonder – why a club that was once the most illustrious is in dire need of your services. You are right to question our so called ascent to the Champions League. Since we finished second to United about five years ago, we have rarely posed a threat in the Premier League to the “New Top 4”. Henrikh, even our coaching staff, once the most stable position in English Football, has switched as often as the value of the British pound.

Kirkby, arguably dubbed to be the magma of producing the greatest talents in British Football, is enduring a meager revival after a dry, unfertile spell. Three years ago, our record was greater than Manchester United. Today, we are the benign interest of the Red Devils’ mockery. Our trophy cabinet has been heaved with dust since the end of the Kenny Dalglish’s first managerial spell at Liverpool. The more and more I dwell into our misfortunes, you might consider not coming at Anfield to don the Liverbird on your chest.

But Henrikh, there is more to this club than just its misfortunes. Like every other club, we can make our case. But ours is unique – at least, I hope it appears that way to you.

Firstly, let me begin with veneration that could be associated with your name. Your last name might be harder to pronounce than the dialects of Gaelic but in due time, will it be a part of our folklore. Twelve months ago, I could not differentiate between the “o” and an “a” in our manager’s first name.

Today, it is embedded correctly in my heart. Your situation might be harder but only when is it hard will it successfully trigger a greater effect. There is a saying – “the name on the front matters more than that on the back.” But for legends of our club, the name on the back redefines what the name on the front means to our hearts. You sir, could well do that.

Well, let us face it – when Anfield racks up 25 million Euros for a player, we expect something unworldly. The last few times we did that, only one worked out. He, too, might “bail” us blaming the media. The one before that left us – defaulting on our ambitions. You won’t be that Henrikh. You speak five languages, act modestly on the pitch and barely let the popularity get to your head. I am sorry I intruded this much of your personal life but I had to; I wanted to confirm to myself that you are unlike the previous two. Now, if my dictionary had an exemplary for humility – I would just write your name, crossing out the previously existent.

There are other reasons why you should come to Liverpool. Look at our stadium! The noise level there is unmatched anywhere else in England. Opponents’ ears deafen due to the decibel level. Playing at the Kop end is a gifted experience, for the Kopites will cheer you till the last second. Our home field advantage may not be as defiant as it once was but the fortress will redeem its status. One of the reasons will be you.

I am not heaping every expectation upon you but just stating the obvious. If you could orchestrate Shakthar’s progress in the Champions League, repel Armenia from a status of paucity in World Football, you are capable enough to govern our fortress. And in a team, that there is a dearth to relieve the pressure on our captain, we think you might as well replace the irreplaceable.

In the cultural capital of Europe, there is always a battle to surmount on top of the “Derby of Merseyside”. But both clubs have a commonality. Our clubs are not the richest nor are we the most talented. But only are faiths in our players are the deepest. Ask any player who played at Liverpool and he would not question the fan’s commitment.

Try this – in the two weeks you were linked with us – Youtube and Internet search engines has seen your popularity skyrocket. This is just normal for any football fan to scout a player linked on the internet. But do note that it is honest excitement to see a player come to play at your favorite club. Let me assure you that at least a thousand of those hits are mine.

What if you do decide to come to Liverpool? Henrikh, if you do join us, there will be a forum to debate what jersey number you should get. Our prestigious number 7 could be left vacant soon and what you wore at Shakthar Donetsk, could be rightfully yours at Liverpool. But I think you might take a different path. Whatever you pull on at Anfield, should be only yours for the reckoning.

For years to come, it could persistently solidify your legacy. But that is for the long run. To reiterate, I hope you grace our request and come to Liverpool. Our Ulsterman in charge awaits your imminence. He won’t transform you into a superstar – you already are. But he will put you in the threshold of spearheading our dominance. You could go elsewhere and foster successes. Or you could come to Liverpool, and recreate history that seems a long lost treasure, which to me, is a greater achievement.

But Henrikh, always remember this – wherever you decide to ply your trade, I will respect you. But come this August, should you don the crest of my favorite football club that is a quintessential part of several hearts, I will chant your name with other Liverpudlians from the top of my lungs. I will scuff myself in the midst of thousands to get you to give me an autograph. But I hope you leave an even greater, indelible print in several other Liverpool hearts. For generations to come, I perceive to hear that it was you that brought us back into the Champions League.

Forgive if I seek too much of you. Forgive me if I ask the implausible from you. But please grace my honesty in pledging a fan’s commitment to you – something that has enough pertinence to quench my thirst to see you put on a shirt of the color of my blood. Fortunately, the color of my blood happens to be the color of my football club.

“At the end of the storm, there’s a golden star and the sweet silver song of a lark”. You could be our new golden star and your touch of the football will be the sweet silver song of a lark.

Sincerely,

A Kopite