JORGINHO has completed his move to Flamengo – just hours after leaving Arsenal.
The Brazilian midfielder, 33, was released from his contract early by the Gunners.
Jorginho joined Arsenal in January 2023 from Chelsea.
The 33-year-old made 78 appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side, but mostly featured off the bench this season.
Jorginho was set to leave the club when his deal expired on 30 June.
But the club arranged for him to be released early so he could play for Flamengo in the Club World Cup.
He has penned a three-year deal with the Brazilian side.
The Gunners described Jorginho as a “valuable and integral part of the club” in a statement confirming his early release.
It added: “Everyone at Arsenal Football Club would like to thank Jorgi for his contribution to the club.
“We wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
Flamengo’s draw for the Club World Cup sees them face Tunis, Los Angeles FC and Chelsea in the group stage.
It means Jorginho will face his former club on June 20 at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.
A familiar face to Blues fans will also play against Chelsea in the tournament opener.
Olivier Giroud, who played for both the Blues and Arsenal, currently leads the line for Los Angeles FC.
The MLS club booked their place in the competition with a nervy qualifying win over Mexican giants Club America earlier this month.
The winner-takes-all tie came about after Mexico’s Club Leon were kicked out of the new-look competition before it even started.
Leon were due to be in Group D alongside Chelsea.
But they were booted due to a violation of Fifa’s rules on multi-club ownership.
The 32-team tournament starts later this month.
Manchester City, among the favourites for the crown, face Italian giants Juventus, Morocco’s Wydad AC and Al Ain of the UAE in the group stages.
Read the full article here