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Chelsea ace Jorginho 'wants Italy return' as agent makes transfer declaration
The 29-year-old midfielder is under contract with Chelsea until June 2023.
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Jorginho’s agent has heightened speculation around his client by confirming his desire to return to Italy in the future. The Chelsea midfielder is a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s side in west London, but it seems he is already eyeing up a transfer back to his adopted country.
The 29-year-old joined the Blues from Napoli in 2018, with the club paying £50million plus £7m in add-ons for his services.
His arrival coincided with Maurizio Sarri’s appointment as manager, with the duo both joining Chelsea from Napoli.
While Sarri’s stay at Chelsea lasted just one season, Jorginho has gradually established himself as a crucial part of the team’s midfield.
Jorginho’s status has been further strengthened under Tuchel and his Champions League victory with Chelsea and European Championship win with Italy have pushed him into the spotlight.
The holding midfielder signed a five-year contract with Chelsea upon his arrival three years ago, but his agent Joao Santos has invited rumours by discussing Sarri’s efforts to sign Jorginho for Juventus during his time in charge.
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That interest in the 2019/20 season ultimately came to nothing, but Santos says his client has his sights set on heading back to Italy in a couple of years.
“He has a contract with Chelsea until [June] 2023,” he told Radio Bianconera.
“Obviously, it would be a dream for him to return to Italy, hopefully after winning the World Cup.
“We’ll have to see what the market looks like in a couple of years and what the other situations are.”
Jorginho was in the headlines for a different reason on Sunday after missing a penalty for Italy against Switzerland.
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The Azzurri were held to a 0-0 draw by Switzerland in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday, but the result still saw them equal the world record for international matches unbeaten in a row.
Italy have now not lost for 36 consecutive matches, equalling Brazil’s record set between 1993 and 1996.
Jorginho is usually extremely reliable from 12 yards but the Chelsea midfielder was thwarted by Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer in Basel.
He will play for Roberto Mancini’s side once again when they take on Lithuania at home on Wednesday before returning to London.
Chelsea play Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday before taking on Zenit St Petersburg in their opening Champions League fixture next Tuesday.
Tuchel’s side are currently fourth in the Premier League table with two wins and a draw.