According to a report by London Evening Standard on Saturday October 24, 2026, Former Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has revealed that limited playing opportunities under Mikel Arteta made it difficult for him to enjoy football, prompting his departure from 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 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. He subsequently joined 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 why he decided to move on from north London. He insisted that his decision was not driven by resentment towards Arteta.

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

The former Chelsea player also discussed Arsenal's increasing reliance on set pieces under Arteta. He acknowledged their importance in securing positive results but warned against allowing them to overshadow the creative aspects of football.

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

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

Before joining Arsenal, Jorginho established himself as a prominent 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. His performances earned 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.