Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has insisted that he has proved his doubters wrong in his first season at Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old – who moved to West London from Napoli last summer in a £50million deal (source: BBC) – made 54 appearances in all competitions last season and went on to win the Europa League with the Blues in Baku last month.
However, the Italian international was criticised following certain results last term, including a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Italy’s Euro 2020 qualifiers later this month, the midfielder hit back and said that “hard work” helped him end the season well.
“The criticisms have arrived, there for their culture they were not used to seeing a player with my characteristics before the defense,” Jorginho said, as quoted by Calciomercato.
“At that moment, when the results did not arrive, it was to point the finger. I always believed in what I do and I continued to work so hard. The work came out and I proved that they were wrong.”
OPINION
As Jorginho himself admits, there were times last season where the player was doubted but overall you have to say that it was a good campaign for the midfielder, all things considered. In the Premier League, the 27-year-old made 37 appearances – missing only one game – and made 2.1 key tackles and 1.7 key interceptions per game (source: Whoscored). That means he is an important reason for Chelsea securing a third-placed finish in the table and securing Champions League football for next term. In the Europa League, meanwhile, he appeared 11 times, making 2.1 key tackles and 1.4 key interceptions per game, proving how consistent he has been in the defensive midfield role for the Blues. What’s more, the Italian chipped in with two league goals, which will always be welcomed. Overall, it was a successful first season for Jorginho and one which he can kick on from, and there will be plenty of Chelsea fans who will be keen to see him do just that come August.