"At first, I wasn’t keen" - Arsenal midfielder explains Mikel Arteta's training ground changes

Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has lifted the lid on life under Mikel Arteta — revealing that the Spaniard had previously tried to sign him before.

When the 32-year-old made the switch from Chelsea to Arsenal in the final moments of the January transfer window, it was a decision that felt both natural and inevitable for the Italian midfielder.

Speaking candidly about his move on the Seaman Says podcast via Betway, Jorginho reflected on how quickly things fell into place.

“It happened really quick, because it was in the last two days of the transfer window closing. I saw that my time at Chelsea was basically finished. I didn't feel part of the project anymore, and sometimes you just need to accept and move on.”

Jorginho’s decision to join Arsenal wasn’t one he took lightly, but it came with confidence, knowing that manager Mikel Arteta had long been an admirer.

“When I had the call, I didn’t think twice. Mikel had tried to sign me before, and I saw the way the team was playing – it suited my qualities. I believed I could add to the team, so it was a yes straight away.”

This sense of belief and alignment with Arteta’s vision was a significant factor for Jorginho, who praised the organised approach at Arsenal. “Being part of a project like that is something you'd be proud of. So there was no hesitation.”

Mentality Shift

The midfielder also reflected on the difference in mentality between his time at Chelsea and his new club.

“At Chelsea, whatever the competition – Carabao Cup, FA Cup, Premier League, Champions League – there was always something to take home. At Arsenal, the mentality now is different because you can see the hunger of wanting to win. Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but the willingness and hard work is there.”

The change in mentality at Arsenal is something Jorginho credits largely to Arteta’s influence, and he believes it’s crucial to the club’s growing success.

“Mikel put up all these messages at the training ground, and it gets into your mind. When you see it again and again, you start to believe it. All we want to do is win, and the history of Arsenal is so big, you can’t help but want to be part of it.”

Sterling Arsenal's Ambitions

Jorginho also touched on Arsenal’s signing strategy, highlighting the importance of players who fit seamlessly into the team’s dynamic.

“You know the club – especially Mikel and Edu – are bringing in the right players. When you see someone you’ve played with, like [recent signing], it’s a boost. You already know their qualities, and you don’t need to adapt much.”

Speaking about the arrival of Raheem Sterling, Jorginho added, “He’s won a lot already. I think it was a great signing, and I believe he’ll add a lot to the team.”

Coaching on the horizon?

Looking ahead to the future, Jorginho admitted that his time at Arsenal has made him reconsider a potential move into coaching.

“When I came to Arsenal, they asked if I’d like to do my badges. At first, I wasn’t keen. But then I tried a session and fell in love with it. Now I’m in trouble!”

He laughs, but there’s a serious undercurrent to his words. “To be on the pitch with the players, seeing things work out as you envisioned – it’s so satisfying. I think I’ll go for it.”

For Jorginho, football is ever-evolving, and his passion for the game suggests that even after his playing days, his contribution will continue.

“Football is in constant evolution. It was different when I started, and it’ll be different when I finish. I want to be a part of that.”