Jorginho explains his penalty technique started at Napoli, along with his Maurizio Sarri connection, but he almost joined Manchester City instead of Chelsea.
The Brazil-born Italy international gave a lengthy interview to France Football, where he could yet feature soon as the winner of the 2021 Ballon d’Or.
“It has been an incredible year for me, even surreal. The Ballon d’Or is not an obsession, I prefer to concentrate on the present, although obviously it’d be a dream come true to win it,” said Jorginho.
He was born in Brazil, but had been in Italy since the age of 15 as part of the Hellas Verona youth academy and pledged himself to the Nazionale.
“When Edu Gaspar called me in 2018, I had already given up on Brazil. Who wouldn’t want to play for Brazil? But I thought long and hard and decided it was impossible to turn my back on Italy. This country opened its arms and allowed me to become a professional football player. I had already played some friendly games with the Azzurri too.
“I am grateful for everything Italy has given me and proud of my choice to wear this jersey.”
Jorginho’s career truly flourished at Napoli under Sarri, who he then followed to Chelsea.
“It was fabulous at Napoli. Naples isn’t really Italy, it’s like a whole other country, you won’t find the same passion for football elsewhere. I adored that city and that team.
“I had been ready to leave Napoli when Sarri arrived, because he brought Mirko Valdifiori in for my role, but he gave me a chance and I fit perfectly into his tactical system. The big regret is that we didn’t win the 2017-18 Scudetto.
“It was Sarri who wanted me at Chelsea. I was in negotiations with Manchester City and could already see myself in the Citizens jersey, but the Blues were insistent and today I am very happy here.”
Jorginho hit the headlines in a negative way last night when blazing a penalty over the bar, the third in a row he has failed to convert for Italy, including shoot-outs.
Before that incident, he had spoken to France Football about his specific technique, with the hop, skip and jump.
“I started that at Napoli and it all began with Henrique, my teammate, as a bit of fun. I would always score in training and the Napoli goalkeepers told me I wouldn’t have the guts to do it during a real match situation, but they were wrong.”