Jorginho confirms Arsenal exit but hints at future return

Arsenal midfielder, Jorginho, has confirmed he will leave the club this summer, but has indicated a possible return.

Jorginho has confirmed that his time in North London has come to a conclusion, ahead of a free transfer to Brazilian outfit, Flamengo.

Although under contract until late June, the midfielder has been given permission by Arsenal to represent his new club at FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup, which starts on 17 June, before playing his former club, Chelsea, three days later.

The Italy international arrived from the Gunners’ London rivals on Deadline Day in January 2023, for a modest fee of just £12million.

Since then, the midfielder has played 79 games, tending to step in when the likes of Declan Rice and Thomas Partey were sidelined.

Jorginho failed to score an open-play goal for the club, but did score two penalties in the Champions League, while he registered three assists in red and white.

However, the 33 year-old contributed massively off the pitch, through mentoring the upcoming young players, and serving as an extra coach while warming-up on the sidelines.

Speaking in 2023, he revealed that he “just can’t hold it” while watching on from the touchline, explaining that he tries to “help the team somehow”.

While he received a send-off at both the Gunners’ final home game of the season and after the victory over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium, the veteran took to Instagram to announce his departure for himself.

In a video posted on the social media platform, Jorginho narrated: “When I arrived at Arsenal, I wasn’t just joining a club. I was stepping into a family, a team full of hunger, passion, purpose. Your support, it mean’t everything. Whether I was starting or on the bench, you made me feel valued, loved. That’s rare in football, and I’ll never forget!”

He then added: “Now, it’s time to say goodbye – or maybe, I’ll see you soon. When a place feels like home, a farewell is never easy.”

While returning in a playing capacity is inconceivable, Jorginho has gained his UEFA B Licence, after working with Arsenal U14s, which he believed to be a mistake because of how much he ‘loved it’.

Now, he is certain he will work towards his UEFA A Licence, the penultimate badge before the Pro Licence, which would enable him to work for Premier League outfits.

In replacement of the Brazil-born, Arsenal have already reportedly secured the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder, Martín Zubimendi, ahead of next season.