**Jorginho and Arsenal have mutually agreed to terminate the midfielder’s contract to allow him to join Brazilian Serie A side Flamengo.**
Although he has represented Italy at international level, the 33-year-old was born in Brazil, and will now return home to sign a three-year deal with the Rio de Janeiro club.
Speaking to the club’s website during a press conference, the 2021 UEFA Player of the Year said, “After so much time away, this opportunity came up. It was at the right time. Returning to my country after so many years surprised me a little, but I am very happy with this opportunity.”
The midfielder will wear the number 21 shirt for the eight-time Serie A winners and expects to play for his new club in this month’s FIFA Club World Cup against Group D opponents LAFC, Espérance, and Jorginho’s former club, Chelsea.
When asked why he chose the number 21, Jorginho admitted that it was because 2021 was the best year of his career - winning the delayed Euro 2020 with Italy, the Champions League with Chelsea, and the aforementioned UEFA Player of the Year award.
Regarding his ability to play in the tournament, the midfielder shared, “My condition is something I will find out in the next few days. I had a break, my last game was on 25 May, but I did all the tests and trained today. I am feeling good and I really want to play. The question of playing 90 minutes and starting the game is no longer up to me (laughs).”