Jorginho happy with growth at Chelsea, hopes to stay for many more years

Much-maligned midfielder Jorginho has shown true progress during his time at Stamford Bridge, slowly becoming more than just a one-dimensional short-passing metronome.

And as much as that's benefitted him at the club, he's also been quite happy to put that to use at the national level, earning the trust of Italy boss Roberto Mancini as well.

“I think I had a fantastic first season and it was fundamental for my growth process.

“I am stronger in defence now, I go into challenges with more determination and control the game. The Premier League has forced me to develop different skills.

“[Italy coach] Roberto Mancini is putting his faith in me for the Nazionale and I am trying to prove on the field that I deserve that.

“I think more than anything I just have the characteristics to suit his idea of football.”

-Jorginho; Source: Goal

Jorginho’s arrival at Chelsea alongside his manager and at Napoli, Maurizio Sarri created the narrative of him being a “teacher’s pet”, with their supposed connection extending well beyond the training ground and the tactics board.

But those turned out to be baseless accusations when Sarri left and Jorginho stayed this summer. According to his agent, there in fact was no truth to those rumours and Jorginho is committed to staying at Chelsea for a very long time, or at least a few years.

“No, nothing of the sort happened. We have a mid-to-long-term project with Chelsea, similar to when he joined Hellas Verona and then Napoli.

“There are five years left on his contract and let’s say he’d like to stay for at least another four years.”

-João Santos; source: Radio Kiss Kiss via Football Italia

As it is often the case with agent talk, this can change in the blink of an eye. But for now, Jorginho is in a really good place at Chelsea, getting plenty of praise from manager Frank Lampard and being a regular in his starting elevens.

May that be the case for years to come indeed!