Jorginho has given new details in Brazil about the factors behind his return home, and decisions in his final Arsenal months.
Flamengo signed him in September, and he is now preparing to face Palmeiras in the Copa Libertadores final.
Speaking to [**Globo Esporte**](https://ge.globo.com/futebol/times/flamengo/noticia/2025/11/27/jorginho-diz-que-negociou-com-o-palmeiras-e-revela-por-que-escolheu-o-flamengo-a-grandeza-fala-por-si.ghtml?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social&utm_content=Esporte&utm_campaign=globoEsporte), he confirmed that Palmeiras also wanted to take him from Arsenal for his signature, but Flamengo’s scale and the feeling he had during a visit to Brazil pushed the move in one clear direction.
#### Why he chose Flamengo
Jorginho said the decision was driven by the club’s size. In his words: _“I believe Flamengo’s greatness speaks for itself. The main answer is the size of Flamengo and how much I wanted to come back to Brazil, to have my first experience here being well, performing, and giving joy to the fans.”_
He explained that the impact of being inside the club structure helped shape his thinking. Flamengo’s training ground and day-to-day environment convinced him the move would offer both competitiveness and stability.
#### Family played a decisive part
The midfielder also revealed that a short visit to Rio de Janeiro in March, while still at Arsenal, played a decisive role. He said that the happiness of his wife, Catherine Harding, was essential before making the move. _“I wouldn’t go somewhere where my wife wouldn’t be happy. That would affect me on the pitch,”_ he said.
He added a lighter detail about her adaptation: _“One day I came home from training and asked her to go for lunch. She said: ‘Let’s go, I’m at the beach’. I thought: ‘Sorry? Are you OK?'” He mentioned that she now enjoys life in Brazil and is already “getting by in Portuguese”._
#### Talks with Palmeiras confirmed
Jorginho did not hide that Palmeiras were part of the negotiations. He said: _“There were conversations. These things happen behind the scenes. I spoke with Palmeiras, like I did with other teams. There wasn’t a specific reason not to go there and come here. Talks move forward with one team, with another, and then you reach a decision.”_
Palmeiras had exchanged information with his representatives earlier in the year as his Arsenal deal approached its end. Flamengo, however, managed to convince the midfielder during the final stages of the process.
#### Final ahead after decisive first months
Now, months after the choice, the former Arsenal player is on the verge of the biggest match of his Brazilian spell.
Flamengo are fighting for the league title and will also contest the Copa Libertadores final – against Palmeiras! – this weekend. [**Brazilian reports**](https://sportwitness.co.uk/player-is-a-revelation-since-summer-arsenal-exit-even-improving-his-teammates/) underline that both campaigns have his influence at their core.