Jorginho Completes Flamengo Move After Emotional Farewell

Jorginho has sealed a three-year deal with Brazilian side Flamengo after confirming his departure from Arsenal in an emotional social media video. The 33-year-old midfielder leaves the Emirates Stadium following the expiration of his contract after two-and-a-half years in north London.

The Italian international posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, thanking Arsenal fans for their unwavering support during his time at the club. He joined the Gunners from Chelsea for £12m in January 2023 and made 79 appearances in all competitions.

“When I arrived at Arsenal, I wasn’t joining a club I was stepping into a family. A team full of hunger. Passion. Purpose,” Jorginho said in his farewell video. The midfielder expressed deep gratitude to supporters who made him feel “valued” and “loved” whether he was starting or on the bench.

His final Arsenal appearance came as a one-minute substitute in their 1-0 victory over Newcastle. He had recently recovered from a punctured lung and didn’t feature in the season’s final game at Southampton on Sunday.

Despite limited playing time this season with just nine Premier League starts, Mikel Arteta reportedly tried to convince the veteran midfielder to stay for another year. However, Jorginho has opted for a new challenge in Brazil with Flamengo.

The Brazilian club had initially approached Jorginho in December and are eager to register him for the revamped Club World Cup. They want him available for their opening group game against Tunis on June 17, with a potential reunion against his former club Chelsea scheduled for June 20.

Arteta acknowledged Jorginho’s departure after Arsenal’s final-day victory, expressing his gratitude for the midfielder’s contribution. “Some of them, like Kieran [Tierney], they’ve been on this journey for six years with us. Jorginho, we’re trying to hug him,” the Arsenal manager said.

Jorginho’s exit adds to Arsenal’s midfield considerations this summer. Thomas Partey is also approaching the end of his contract, though the club are reportedly close to signing Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £51million.