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.