Jorginho returns to Brazil, joins Flamengo ahead of Club World Cup

Italy international Jorginho has signed a three-year deal with Flamengo, marking a return to his native Brazil after 17 years abroad. The 33-year-old midfielder joins the Rio de Janeiro giants as a free agent following his departure from Arsenal, where he spent 18 months after five seasons with Chelsea.

It is the first time Jorginho will play for a Brazilian club, having left the country as a teenager to begin his professional career in Italy.

His arrival comes just in time for the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in the United States next week. Flamengo are drawn in Group D alongside MLS champions Los Angeles FC, Tunisian side Esperance, and Chelsea — one of Jorginho’s former clubs.

Jorginho enjoyed a successful spell in England, winning the UEFA Champions League in 2021 and the Club World Cup the following year with Chelsea. Internationally, he has earned 57 caps for Italy and played a key role in their Euro 2020 triumph.

(Source: AFP)