Jorginho helped convince Riccardo Calafiori to join Arsenal while the pair were at Euro 2024 together with Italy, the midfielder has revealed.
The duo were both called up to Luciano Spalletti’s squad for the tournament in Germany, playing in all three of their group games before Jorginho was benched and Calafiori suspended for the round-of-16 loss to Switzerland.
The latter was one of the few Italian players able to leave the tournament with their pride intact after a desperately disappointing showing for the Azzurri.
However, it was at least productive for Arsenal as it gave Jorginho a chance to work on convincing his international teammate to move to the Emirates despite reported interest from the likes of Juventus and Real Madrid.
“It’s a really good signing,” Jorginho told the Arsenal website. “He’s a really good young player that will give a lot to the team. He’s a very professional guy, he is hungry to learn and humble. He has a lot to add and grow and learn and I think it’s going to be a good connection.
“To be fair I didn’t know him that much but when I got to know him and see him up close, it’s been great. He has great qualities.”
“I sent him a few messages while we were there at the tournament and I spoke with him and said if he wants to take himself to the next level and grow, this is the right place for him to go,” Jorginho added.
“It’s nice to have a fratello here! We always try to help each other here and that’s what we’re going to do with him as well to make sure he feels at home straight away. It’s great that he’s here, hopefully, he enjoys it and we’ll achieve big things together.”
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