Jorginho explains why he decided he had to leave Arsenal

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Jorginho has opened up about his decision to leave Arsenal at the end of last season, revealing that his reduced playing time ultimately forced his hand in seeking a new challenge.

The Italian midfielder departed the Emirates after struggling to secure regular minutes under Mikel Arteta, with his opportunities becoming increasingly limited as Arsenal evolved with younger, more dynamic midfield options.

From squad player to exit

During his final period at Arsenal, Jorginho had largely become a rotational option rather than a consistent starter. While he often delivered dependable performances when called upon, showcasing his calmness in possession and tactical intelligence, it wasn’t enough to earn sustained minutes in the club’s highly competitive midfield.

In the biggest matches, Arteta frequently looked elsewhere despite Jorginho’s vast experience gained from his time at Napoli and Chelsea. As Arsenal’s squad developed, the veteran found himself increasingly restricted to appearances when other midfielders were unavailable or when rotation was required.

Motivation concerns

Speaking to The Times, Jorginho explained the driving force behind his departure: “When a player is not on the pitch, it’s hard to keep motivated. I felt I needed to go somewhere where I was going to play with joy.”

The midfielder has since found that opportunity with Flamengo in Brazil’s top flight, where he’s enjoying regular playing time and a more prominent role. That consistent rhythm has allowed him to restore his confidence, sharpness and enjoyment of the game – elements that are difficult to maintain when appearances are sporadic.

From Arsenal’s perspective, the decision was understandable as part of their ongoing squad evolution. Jorginho wasn’t signed to start every match, and the physical demands of the Premier League may have limited how heavily the club could rely on him across a full campaign.

Despite his reduced role, Jorginho remained a respected presence whose professionalism and knowledge benefited the dressing room throughout his time in north London. His departure appears to have worked well for both parties, allowing Arsenal to continue their tactical evolution while giving Jorginho the platform to rediscover his love for regular football in Brazil.