Former Arsenal star reveals stunning exit reason: "I want to feel alive"

Former Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has offered a candid insight into his decision to leave the club, revealing that a loss of passion and limited involvement ultimately drove his departure from north London.

A search for purpose beyond the bench

Jorginho, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2023, gradually found himself playing a reduced role under manager Mikel Arteta. Despite being a seasoned presence in midfield, the Italian struggled to secure consistent starts, which impacted his motivation and overall connection with the game.

His departure as a free agent last summer marked a turning point, as he sought a fresh environment where he could rediscover his joy on the pitch. The move eventually led him to Brazilian giants Flamengo, where he aimed to rebuild his rhythm and confidence.

“I want to feel alive and important for the team,” Jorginho explained in an interview with The Times. “When a player is not on the pitch, it’s hard to keep motivated. I felt I needed to go somewhere where I was going to play with joy.”

Limited role takes its toll

During his time at Arsenal, Jorginho made 79 appearances, but only 27 came as a starter. While he contributed valuable experience and composure, the lack of regular minutes created a disconnect that proved difficult to overcome.

For a player accustomed to influencing games from the center of the pitch, being confined to a supporting role altered both his mental approach and competitive drive. His admission highlights the often-overlooked emotional challenges faced by squad players at elite clubs.

Inside Arteta’s tactical system

Jorginho also shed light on the highly structured tactical environment at Arsenal, particularly the emphasis on set-piece routines. While acknowledging their effectiveness, he compared the process to repetitive preparation.

“It does feel like homework, that’s the reality. But when you do your homework and then you have the test, you have a good result,” Jorginho noted. “I think people are realising now the importance of set pieces… Why is it a problem to focus and work more on it, when you get the results from that which make everybody happy?”

Jorginho’s move signals more than just a transfer—it reflects a personal reset. His desire to “feel alive” again underscores the importance of playing time and emotional fulfillment in a player’s career.