Transfer Centre

"I have more to do" - Jorginho reveals reasons for signing new Arsenal contract

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 09 May 2024

Jorginho opens up on his decision to sign a new contract with Arsenal, claiming that it was an easy choice to extend his terms at the Emirates.

Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has claimed that it was an easy decision to sign a new contract at the Emirates after the Gunners announced his renewal.

The Italy international, who was due to become a free agent at the end of the season, was confirmed to have extended his terms on Thursday and is now understood to be tied down to the club until 2025.

Jorginho brought title-winning nous and years of experience to North London upon his arrival from Chelsea last January, and he has now appeared for the Gunners on 51 occasions in all tournaments.

The 32-year-old has scored one goal and set up three more in the process and has been a useful option in the number six position, thereby allowing Declan Rice to be deployed in a more advanced area.

Jorginho's old terms included a one-year extension option, but Arsenal opted to enter talks over a fresh deal for the Euro 2020 winner, who claimed that he still feels that he has more to give the North London giants in the latter stages of his career.

Arsenal's Jorginho pictured on November 4, 2023 © Reuters

Jorginho: 'It's a privilege to play for Arsenal'

"It's been really positive, because I felt part of something big straight 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," Jorginho told arsenal.com.

"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!

"There was not much to discuss to be honest, 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."

The ex-Napoli lynchpin also hailed the love from the fans as another factor in his decision, adding: "That means a lot. And that's one more reason for signing the contract because I feel I can – and I want to – give more to them, because they've been giving a lot of affection and support to me. All I want is to give it back.

"I try to give everything I can of myself to everyone around. Sometimes that can be a cuddle, sometimes it can be words, sometimes show 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."

Jorginho keen to add "missing" accolade to CV

💬 "I feel that everyone here can count on me."

We sat down for an exclusive interview with Jorginho after he committed his future to the club 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 9, 2024

The 2023-24 season has seen Jorginho make 23 Premier League appearances for Arsenal - including 10 starts - to help propel the Gunners to the top of the table over Manchester City, who are one point behind with a game in hand.

Arsenal must therefore hope for the reigning champions to slip up in at least one of their final three games to stand a chance of winning their first top-flight title since 2004, which would also represent Jorginho's inaugural league honour.

"That's missing! It's something that definitely I would 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," Jorginho added.

"If you are somewhere where you are not enjoying it, or you are not happy, then it's difficult. So moving forward is trying to be happy and achieve as much as we can."

Jorginho, who has also coached Arsenal's youth teams to earn his UEFA B licence, becomes the fourth senior Gunners player to pen fresh terms this season after Martin Odegaard, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.