Daily Times

LONDON: Chelsea has signed midfielder Jorginho from Napoli on a five-year deal, with the Italy international becoming new head coach Maurizio Sarri’s first recruit, the Premier League side announced on Saturday. Chelsea did not disclose financial details but British media reports said that the deal for the Brazilian-born player was worth in the region of 57 million pounds. “I am absolutely ecstatic to be here at Chelsea. It is not easy to become part of such a big team so I am very, very happy,” Jorginho told the club’s website. “I am excited to play in such an intense league, for a team that gives everything to play and win.” The 26-year-old was also targeted by Premier League champions Manchester City but chose to link up with former Napoli manager Sarri at the London club. Chelsea named Sarri as their new head coach on a three-year term earlier on Saturday, a day after parting ways with another Italian manager Antonio Conte. Jorginho played an important role in Sarri’s Napoli and the deep-lying playmaker is seen as the perfect fit for the high-tempo, possession-based style of play that the new boss is expected to bring to Chelsea. “He was one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe and will become an important member of the playing squad,” Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said. “He has demonstrated his quality working under Maurizio Sarri and we are convinced his signing will help bring further success to Stamford Bridge.”

Published in Daily Times, July 15^th 2018.