Saying goodbye: Jorginho will leave Arsenal this summer and join Flamengo on a free transfer
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Jorginho has confirmed his summer departure from Arsenal in a heartfelt farewell video.
The experienced midfielder was expected to leave north London when his current contract expires next month and sign for Brazilian side Flamengo on a free transfer.
Jorginho is now said to have agreed a three-year deal to return to Brazil, the country of his birth and where he lived until he was 15 before moving to Italy, for whom he has earned 57 senior caps at international level.
Fabrizio Romano reports that the 33-year-old will join Flamengo - currently coached by former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis - in time for the inaugural edition of the expanded 32-team Club World Cup taking place in the United States this summer, with the Rio de Janeiro-based outfit beginning their campaign against Esperance de Tunis in Philadelphia on June 16, ahead of further Group D matches against Chelsea and the winner of a play-off tie between Los Angeles FC and Club America.
Jorginho joined Arsenal in January 2023 in a £12million deal after spending four-and-a-half years with London rivals Chelsea, making 79 appearances in total across all competitions and last year signing a 12-month extension to his initial 18-month contract.
He is leaving this summer along with Kieran Tierney, who is set to return to Celtic, plus loanees Raheem Sterling and Neto.
Alongside the caption ‘Thank you Arsenal’, Jorginho posted an emotive video to his official Instagram account of his time at the Emirates Stadium, narrating it himself by saying: “You know, sometimes the season is more than just football. It’s about moments. People. Growth.
“It's about feeling part of something bigger than yourself. When I arrived at Arsenal, I wasn't just joining a club, I was stepping into a family. A team full of hunger. Passion. Purpose.
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“I gave everything I had. Every day. Every match. Not just for the results, but for this shirt. For the fans.
“Your support... it meant everything. Whether I was starting or on the bench, you made me feel valued. Loved. That's rare in football and I’ll never forget it. Now, it's time to say goodbye. Or maybe a see you soon.
“When a place feels like home, a farewell is never easy. But I leave with my head held high and my heart full. “To my team-mates, thank you for trusting me, for pushing me.
“To the coach, the staff, and the whole people behind the scenes, thank you for the support on the pitch, off the pitch, and for always being there for me with kindness and love.
“And to the fans, thank you for singing my name, for believing in me. Thank you, Arsenal. With love and respect, Jorginho. COYG.”