According to a report by London Evening Standard on Saturday, October 24, 2026, former Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has revealed that he left the club because he found it difficult to enjoy his football under manager Mikel Arteta.

The Italian international explained that a lack of regular playing time affected his motivation, prompting him to seek a fresh challenge where he could feel valued and play a more important role in the team.

Jorginho joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2023 and spent two-and-a-half seasons at the Emirates Stadium. During his time with the Gunners, he made 79 appearances, 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. He has helped the club win five trophies, including the 2025 Copa Libertadores.

Speaking to The Times in 2026, Jorginho made it clear that he held no resentment towards Arteta. However, he admitted that remaining motivated became difficult when he was not regularly involved in matches.

“I want to feel alive and important for the team. When a player is not on the pitch, it’s hard to keep motivated. I felt I needed to go somewhere where I was going to play with joy,” he explained.

Jorginho also addressed Arsenal's strong focus on set pieces, recognising their effectiveness while cautioning against losing sight of attractive football. He likened the preparation involved to completing homework before an examination.

The former midfielder believes set pieces deserve significant attention because of the results they can produce. However, he stressed the importance of striking a balance between tactical preparation and allowing the game to flow naturally.

Jorginho enjoyed one of the most successful periods of his career at Chelsea, where he won four major trophies during four-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge. His achievements included the 2020-21 Champions League title.

He also played a key role in Italy's Euro 2020 triumph and finished third in the 2021 Ballon d’Or rankings.

His decision to leave Arsenal highlights the importance of regular playing time in maintaining a footballer's confidence, motivation and enjoyment of the game.