Many of Jorginho’s international team-mates had seen first-hand the improvement made by Romelu Lukaku during his time in Italy, so the striker’s instant influence at Chelsea has come as no surprise to the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year.
Jorginho collected that award prior to kick-off on Tuesday and expressed his pride and thanks to those who have helped him on his journey.
His performances for club and country were integral to our Champions League win and Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph. With the Azzurri, Jorginho formed an impressive midfield partnership with Nicola Barella, a team-mate of Lukaku’s at Inter Milan. With many who have been tasked with stopping the Belgian in Serie A also in the Italy dressing room this summer, there were no shortage of players to give Jorginho the lowdown on our new signing.
‘They said he works a lot, he can help a lot, not just the way he plays but he tries to talk, he works hard,’ said Jorginho.
‘We are really happy that he is really helping everyone. That is what everyone does here. We try to help each other.
‘He came with the right mentality. I’m really happy for him because he works so hard during training and he deserves every goal that is coming. His big impact is well deserved.’
It was the impact made by another man, Thomas Tuchel, that played not only a vital part in our European success, but also helped get the very best out of Jorginho, who is in the form of his Chelsea career.
‘He is two different guys,’ Jorginho explained of his boss.
‘The guy you see on the touchline is not the same guy outside the pitch. He is very friendly outside the pitch, and on the pitch he is focused and wants the best from us.
‘He is a perfectionist. He works hard, and he tries to give his best to help everyone. He demands a lot because he knows what we can give.’