Azzurri midfielder Jorginho has penned a new short-term contract extension with Arsenal, despite Serie A interest. The 32-year-old was the subject of interest from Juventus earlier this season, with some reports suggesting he would make a return to Italy this summer. The Gunners have now confirmed that Jorginho will remain with them for the time being, releasing a statement that read:
Our Italian international signed for us in January 2023 from Chelsea and has been an integral part of our squad ever since, making more than 50 appearances in all competitions.
The 32-year-old midfielder started his career with Hellas Verona in Italy, where he came through the youth ranks to feature for the first team, making 96 appearances in total. Jorginho then signed for fellow Serie A side Napoli in January 2014 and stayed there for four seasons, making 160 appearances and winning the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana in his first year.
Jorginho moved to England when he signed for Chelsea in July 2018. In just under five years in south-west London, he made 213 appearances, scoring 29 goals, and assisting eight times, winning four major trophies. He has also made 52 appearances for Italy since making his debut in 2016 and has gone on to reach great heights for his country.
Speaking about the contract renewal, the midfielder said:
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
