Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has revealed that he wasn’t initially sure about a move to Stamford Bridge and preferred a switch to Manchester City in 2018.
Former Blues manager Maurizio Sarri eventually brought the Italian international with him from Serie A side Napoli and he has become a key player for both Thomas Tuchel and Roberto Mancini in the national team set-up.
Speaking to L’Equipe, via 90Min, the midfielder said: "I had been working with [Maurizio] Sarri for three years, so when he wanted me at Chelsea, I didn't really want to go.
"I had started discussions with Manchester City and I could see myself there already.
"But hey, Chelsea insisted, and I'm very happy here today, especially after such an incredible 2021.
“It was absolutely surreal. I use the word 'surreal' because what is happening to me is so huge that I can hardly believe it. I couldn't even dream of it."
The 29-year-old has been widely tipped to win the Ballon d’Or after his performances that led Chelsea to the Champions League and the Azzuri to a European Championships win.
His style hasn’t always meant he is a stand out, but his ability to circulate the ball is like very few in the game.
He continued: "It's true that people don't see me too much.
"I stay in the shadows. I'm not like N'Golo [Kante] who runs around for 90 minutes and steals 300 balls per game.
“I'm not like [Mateo] Kovacic who managed to dribble past two players before throwing himself forward.
“Me, I am more the one who fluidifies the whole move, puts oil in the engine.
“I've managed to gain the trust of my team-mates, so when I tell them where to go, they listen to me and it's very rewarding."
