Jorginho opens up on Arsenal exit, citing struggle for motivation as rotation player

Former Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has revealed his departure for Flamengo last summer was driven by a desire to feel "alive and important" again, after growing frustrated with his bit-part role in Mikel Arteta's squad. The 34-year-old Italian international, who joined the Brazilian club on a permanent deal following the 2024-25 season, made the comments in an interview with The Times, providing a candid assessment of his final years in North London.

Jorginho, who arrived at Arsenal from Chelsea in January 2023, admitted he found it difficult to maintain motivation when not regularly playing. Across two-and-a-half seasons, he started just 27 of the 79 matches he was available for, often serving as a tactical option from the bench. "I want to feel alive and important for the team," Jorginho said. "When a player is not on the pitch, it is difficult to stay motivated. I felt I needed to go somewhere where I was going to play with joy."

The move to Flamengo, a childhood club for the Brazil-born midfielder, offered that pathway. While financial terms of the transfer were not disclosed, the switch represented a homecoming and a clear opportunity for a central role, contrasting with his situation at Arsenal. His comments shed light on the often-unseen challenges faced by experienced players in elite squads, where competition for places is intense and game time can be sporadic.

In the wide-ranging interview, Jorginho also addressed the current style of play at Arsenal, which has faced criticism this season despite the club leading the Premier League and reaching the Champions League semi-finals. He compared the meticulous work on set-pieces, a major strength under specialist coach Nicolas Jover, to doing homework. "It feels like you have homework, that's the reality," he acknowledged. "But when you do your homework and you pass the test, you get a good grade. I think people are realizing now the importance of that exercise."

However, he cautioned that an over-reliance on such structured routines could come at a cost. "The risk is to focus only on that and forget the game itself; of course, you lose the beautiful football. I think it's all about balance," Jorginho added. His perspective offers a unique insight from a player who has experienced both the free-flowing football of his early career and the highly systematized approach of the modern elite game.

Jorginho's Arsenal career, though limited in starts, was not without highlights. He was a reliable figure in the 2023-24 season, helping the club maintain a title challenge and providing crucial experience in European competition. His technical security and penalty-taking prowess were valued assets. His departure, alongside other squad changes, signals the continued evolution of Arteta's project as it shifts from a rebuilding phase to one consistently challenging for top honours.

For Flamengo, securing a player of Jorginho's pedigree and technical quality is a significant coup, expected to bring leadership and composure to their midfield. For Arsenal, his frank comments highlight the ongoing managerial task of balancing squad harmony with relentless competition, even within a successful campaign. The episode underscores that for some players, the need for regular football ultimately outweighs the prestige of being part of a top-tier squad.