Former Arsenal star Jorginho made his Flamengo debut in the Club World Cup on Tuesday morning, playing 74 minutes as the Brazilian side beat Esperance de Tunis 2-0 in Philadelphia.
Jorginho left Arsenal at the end of last season after his contract with the Gunners expired.
Returning to his country of birth, the Italian joined Flamengo earlier this month, with the Brazilian Serie A side paying the North Londoners a small fee so that they could use him in the summer tournament in the United States.
Making his first appearance for his new club, Jorginho provided an assist whilst delivering a typically astute display in the middle of the park.
Brazil’s media react to former Arsenal star Jorginho’s Flamengo debut
Arsenal fans were sad to see Jorginho go, with the former Chelsea man becoming a beloved figure at the Emirates throughout his two-and-a-half-year stint in North London.
However, having turned 33 last December, it was time for the Italy international to move on and end his career in a slower and less physically demanding league.
He showed his class on his debut for his new club at the Lincoln Financial Field on Tuesday, leading Flamengo to victory in their opening game of the Club World Cup.
Brazilian media were impressed by Jorginho’s leadership qualities and ability on the ball, raving about him in their post-match analysis.
UOL wrote on the player: “Jorginho showed leadership right from his debut. It was a good debut. Mainly because of the leadership he seemed to exercise with the group after the second half. When they were in the tunnel, coming back from the break, he was the only one talking. There was a little circle and he gave instructions. For someone who had just arrived, it seemed significant.”
Meanwhile, Lance also waxed lyrical about the metronomic midfielder: “In his debut with the red and black jersey, Jorginho had a stellar performance. The Italian-Brazilian player was a key player in the Brazilian team, participating in almost every play. He got along well with the other players in the squad, despite his short time at the club, and became a reference on the field for his teammates right from his first match.
“His performance was rewarded with a great assist for Luiz Araújo. The midfielder, on the first try, found his teammate in the middle of two markers and left him in great conditions to finish on goal.
“Fans chanted Jorginho’s name. Jorginho was substituted 30 minutes into the second half, when Filipe Luís called Allan. As he left the pitch, his name was shouted by the fans in the stadium, which held 25,797 spectators.”
Jorginho’s passing from midfield will be missed at Arsenal
This was a passing clinic from Jorginho in Philadelphia.
Completing 92 of his 99 passes on the night (93%), the Champions League winner also played 15 passes into the final third.
He was central to everything for Flamengo, with the whole game running through him.
The Gunners will miss the ball progression and mastery in possession, with neither Thomas Partey nor Martin Zubimendi quite possessing the same quality on the ball or ability to break lines.
Jorginho will face Olivier Giroud in Flamengo’s final game of the group stage against LAFC, after playing Chelsea on Friday.
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