According to a report by the London Evening Standard on Saturday, October 24, 2026, former Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has revealed that his limited playing time under Mikel Arteta made it difficult for him to enjoy football, prompting him to leave the club in search of a fresh challenge.

The Italian international explained that he wanted to feel important to his team and rediscover his passion for football by playing regularly.

Jorginho joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2023 and spent two-and-a-half seasons at the Emirates Stadium. He made 79 appearances for the Gunners, including 46 starts, and helped the club finish second in the Premier League in 2024 and 2025.

The midfielder left Arsenal on a free transfer at the end of the 2024-25 campaign before joining Brazilian side Flamengo, where he has enjoyed considerable success, winning five trophies, including the 2025 Copa Libertadores.

Speaking to The Times in 2026, Jorginho explained his decision to leave north London, insisting that it was not motivated by any resentment towards Arteta.

"I want to feel alive and important for the team," Jorginho said. He admitted that staying motivated became difficult when he was not regularly involved in matches.

The former Chelsea midfielder also discussed Arsenal's growing reliance on set pieces under Arteta. While acknowledging their importance in securing positive results, he warned against allowing them to overshadow the creative side of football.

Jorginho compared practising set pieces to completing homework before an examination, explaining that thorough preparation could produce favourable results and make supporters happy.

However, he stressed that teams must strike a balance between tactical preparation and playing attractive football. He believes focusing exclusively on dead-ball situations could diminish the beauty of the game.

Before joining Arsenal, Jorginho established himself as a key midfielder at Chelsea, making 213 appearances and scoring 29 goals. He won four major honours with the Blues, including the 2020-21 Champions League.

The Brazilian-born midfielder also played a crucial role in Italy's Euro 2020 triumph, with his performances earning him third place in the 2021 Ballon d'Or rankings.

His comments highlight the importance of regular playing time in maintaining a player's confidence, motivation and enjoyment of football.