Arsenal Football Club have confirmed that Italian midfielder Jorginho has signed a contract extension with the club, subject to regulatory processes.
The 32-year-old made the controversial switch from rivals Chelsea in January 2023, becoming an ever-present in the squad with 51 appearances to his name, and has been an integral part of a side which has challenged for two Premier League titles and reached a Champions League quarter-final during his short stint in North London so far.
He has become a hit with the Gunners’ fanbase by bringing a calm authority to the centre of the park, and has caught the eye with some standout performances in recent high-profile games.
Although born in Brazil, the midfielder moved to Italy at the age of 15 and thus began his career with Hellas Verona, rising through the ranks to make 96 appearances in total. His performances for the I Gialloblu saw him picked up by Napoli, where he broke out on the global stage, making 160 appearances and winning the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana in his first year.
The Italy international moved to England in July 2018 when he followed former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri to Chelsea, and he would go on to make 213 appearances, scoring 29 goals, and assisting eight times, as well as winning four major trophies. Two of these honours included the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup, as well as winning Euro 2020 with Italy, with his triumphs leading to him being crowned with the prestigious individual award of UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, as well as finishing third place in the Ballon d’Or.
Furthermore, his performances at club level has made him a reliable figure within the Italy national team setup, and he made 52 appearances for his country since making his debut in 2016.
Following Jorginho’s extension, Sporting Director Edu said: “We’re very happy to have Jorgi sign a contract extension with us. He represents what we stand for here at Arsenal with his professionalism and success.
“I know everyone at the club will be very excited that Jorgi will continue to be with us, not only the players and coaches, but all the staff behind the scenes as well. It’s great that Jorginho remains with us, as we continue building to be better and stronger.”
Manager Mikel Arteta added: “We’re delighted that Jorgi has signed a new contract with us. Jorgi is such an important part of our team, a role model with great leadership skills and a unique playing style ability which makes everybody better around him on the pitch.
“We’re very pleased that Jorgi and his family have committed with us and we’re all excited to continue this journey together.”
Furthermore, Arsenal’s #20 reflected on his time at the Emirates Stadium so far, claiming: “It’s been really positive, because I felt part of something big straight away. I felt involved and really in a good place. It’s not always like that, so when you feel something like this, it’s something important.
“I’m really happy to stay, because it’s a privilege to be a part of this family. My family is happy, we are really well settled and there’s more to come!”
The 32-year-old added that it was a simple decision to put pen to paper, and his conversations with Mikel Arteta and Edu were brief.
“There was not much to discuss to be honest,” he smiled, “because I feel really good here. Just to know that they appreciate me and want me to stay longer as well, it’s a big thing for me. I feel that I have more to do, so that’s the reason why I’m staying.”
Another factor in his decision, he said, was the welcome he’s had from Arsenal supporters since his switch from London rivals Chelsea last winter.
“That means a lot. And that’s one more reason for signing the contract because I feel I can – and I want to – give more to them, because they’ve been giving a lot of affection and support to me. All I want is to give it back.
“I try to give everything I can of myself to everyone around. Sometimes that can be a cuddle, sometimes it can be words, sometimes show them something. I just try to help as much as I can in any situation. I feel that everyone here can count on me. I will always be there for them.”
Now his contract is signed and sealed, his focus is fully on the end of the season, as despite enjoying a glittering career filled with major honours, he is yet to win a league title.
“That’s missing!” he said. “It’s something that definitely I would like to add to that list and it would mean a lot to me.
“I want to win as much as I can, and enjoy the moment because that’s really important for me. If you are somewhere where you are not enjoying it, or you are not happy, then it’s difficult. So moving forward is trying to be happy and achieve as much as we can.”
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