Our Italian international signed for us in January 2023 from Chelsea and has been an integral part of our squad ever since, making more than 50 appearances in all competitions.The 32-year-old midfielder started his career with Hellas Verona in Italy, where he came through the youth ranks to feature for the first team, making 96 appearances in total. Jorginho then signed for fellow Serie A side Napoli in January 2014 and stayed there for four seasons, making 160 appearances and winning the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana in his first year.Jorginho moved to England when he signed for Chelsea in July 2018. In just under five years in south-west London, he made 213 appearances, scoring 29 goals and assisting eight times, winning four major trophies. He has also made 52 appearances for Italy since making his debut in 2016 and has gone on to reach great heights for his country.

In 2021, Jorginho won the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup with Chelsea, as well as Euro 2020 with Italy. This led to him being crowned with the prestigious individual award of UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, as well as finishing third in the Ballon d’Or.

Hear from Jorginho in his first interview after signing his new contractSporting Director Edu said: “We’re very happy to have Jorge sign a contract extension with us. He represents what we stand for here at Arsenal with his professionalism and success.

“I know everyone at the club will be very excited that Jorgi will continue to be with us, not only the players and coaches, but all the staff behind the scenes as well. It’s great that Jorginho remains with us as we continue to build to be better and stronger.”Manager Mikel Arteta added: “We’re delighted that Jorge has signed a new contract with us. Jorgi is such an important part of our team, a role model with great leadership skills and a unique playing style ability which makes everybody better around him on the pitch.

“We’re very pleased that Jorgi and his family have committed with us and we’re all excited to continue this journey together.”Jorginho’s new contract is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.

Jorginho has spoken about his special connection with our supporters upon signing a new contract with the club.

The midfielder arrived during the January transfer window last year and soon became a hit with our fanbase by bringing calm authority to the centre of the park.

The Italy international has now played more than 50 times for us, including some standout performances in recent high-profile games, and there’s more to come after he chose to extend his stay with us.

Reflecting on his time in north London so far, Jorginho said: “It’s been really positive, because I felt part of something big right away. I felt involved and really in a good place. It’s not always like that, so when you feel something like this, it’s something important.

“I’m really happy to stay, because it’s a privilege to be a part of this family. My family is happy; we are really well settled, and there’s more to come.”

The 32-year-old added that it was a simple decision to put pen to paper, and his conversations with Mikel Arteta and Edu were brief.

“There was not much to discuss, to be honest,” he smiled, “because I feel really good here. Just to know that they appreciate me and want me to stay longer as well, it’s a big thing for me. I feel that I have more to do, so that’s the reason why I’m staying.”

Another factor in his decision, he said, was the welcome he’s had from Arsenal supporters since his switch from London rivals Chelsea last winter.

“That means a lot. And that’s one more reason for signing the contract: I feel I can—and I want to—give more to them because they’ve been showing me a lot of affection and support. All I want is to give it back.

“I try to give everything I can of myself to everyone around me. Sometimes that can be a cuddle, sometimes it can be words, and sometimes it can be showing them something. I just try to help as much as I can in any situation. I feel that everyone here can count on me. I will always be there for them.”

Now that his contract is signed and sealed, his focus is fully on the end of the season. During a glittering career so far, the Brazil-born Italy international has won the European Championship, Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup, Coppa Italia, and other major honours, as well as being named third in the 2021 Ballon d’Or. But throughout his club’s career, he’s yet to win a league title.

“That’s missing!” he said. “It’s something that I would definitely like to add to that list, and it would mean a lot to me.

“I want to win as much as I can and enjoy the moment because that’s really important for me. If you are somewhere where you are not enjoying it or are not happy, then it’s difficult. Moving forward means trying to be happy and achieve as much as we can.”