Jorginho ‘would like to stay’ at Chelsea amid reports of Italy return

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has said he would “like to stay” at Stamford Bridge, though admitted he does not know what his long-term future holds.

The Italy international has just one year remaining on his current deal at the club, and reports have linked him with a return to Serie A.

Jorginho – who joined Chelsea from Napoli in 2018 – made 47 appearances in all competitions for Thomas Tuchel’s men in 2021-22, scoring nine goals, all of which were penalties, and addressed his future during pre-season preparations in Los Angeles.

“Of course, I love Chelsea. I feel very well here and of course, I’d like to stay,” he said. “But you know, there is a lot going on and we don’t know.

“I am here now, I have a contract and I love to be here. I feel very well here, so I don’t think about moving anywhere.

“For many years now [there has been speculation about his future]. Every single year. I don’t think like this. I just think about where I am and focus 100 per cent.

“I’m at Chelsea and I think about Chelsea 100 per cent.”

Of Chelsea players, only Thiago Silva (68) made more interceptions than Jorginho’s 65 in all competitions last season.

The 30-year-old has won a Europa League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup with the London club. He addressed his future ahead of the 2022-23 season, when he intends to challenge for silverware again.

“The motivation is that I do what I love,” he added. “This was my dream when I was a kid.

“I dreamt that I could win – and so if I win the same title it is still special. I look at my medals every day and love them. It’s why I want to win more.

“One of the [motivations is to win the Premier League], I still have a few left. I need to work really hard to achieve those trophies and that is what I do.

“What really counts is the results at the end of the season. So I prefer to talk at the end of the season about what we’ve done.”