Jorginho Considered Leaving Chelsea After Difficult First Season

The Brazilian-born Italian signed for Chelsea on a five-year deal from Serie A outfit Napoli during the summer of 2018, teaming up with old boss Maurizio Sarri in joining the West Londoners.

Jorginho was considered as the embodiment of the Italian’s tactical approach, but Chelsea often struggled to assimilate Sarri’s demands despite winning the Europa League last season.

The 28-year-old was booed by angry fans due to his closeness with the former Empoli head coach. Jorginho has admitted that some of the criticism levelled at him was not fair but insists it motivated him.

“Last year, fans were picking on me a lot because I’d arrived with another manager and, in my opinion, I ended up hearing some things that were honestly unfair,” the 28-year-old told FourFourTwo.

“But I’ve never challenged the views of the fans and other people who criticised me. Quite the opposite, actually – it gave me strength because inside I knew they were wrong.

“Deep in my mind, it was like this: 'I’m going to prove they’re wrong and work quietly like I’ve always done, because it’s never been easy for me'.”

Jorginho was heavily linked with a move to Juventus last summer to reunite with Sarri, who returned to Serie A, but anything of that sort could not materialize.

The former Verona man has been one of Chelsea’s best players since Frank Lampard took over as Chelsea manager, and was named vice club captain by the English coach due to his leadership qualities.

Jorginho has confessed he considered leaving the Blues when Sarri left, but had a late change in mind.

“I’ve gone through moments like this at every club I’ve played for – this low moment when doubt can come and make you wonder, 'Should I just leave this place? Maybe there isn’t room for me here'," he added.