Jorginho explains how he’s changed his mind about an Arsenal team-mate he used to ‘fight’
Jorginho thinks new Arsenal team-mate Granit Xhaka is a “really nice guy” after previously having a “few fights” during matches against Chelsea.
The Italy international moved to the Gunners in the January transfer window from their London rivals with Jorginho and Xhaka involved in a number of midfield battles in the past.
Xhaka is know for having a fiery temperament during matches but new Arsenal signing Jorginho has seen another side of him since moving to the Emirates Stadium.
When asked about his relationship with Xhaka, Jorginho told beIN Sports: “Yes I’m happy, we had a few fights on the pitch before but outside the pitch he’s a really nice guy and we have good laughs now.
“Outside the pitch I asked him the other day where I could go for dinner around here and he booked me and didn’t let me pay so thanks very much for that.
“He’s a really nice guy and I’m glad I can see this other part of him.”
On whether Arteta was the main reason for joining Arsenal, Jorginho told DAZN recently: “It’s one of the reasons, surely.
“He called me and it was all very quick, we made the deal in less than 48 hours. I had spoken to Chelsea and I knew I was no longer part of their plans. I wanted to progress in my career and the Arsenal project suits me.
“It’s a young team that plays good football and fits my characteristics. I considered every scenario and made the decision. Sometimes you must accept when you are out of a project and that things come to an end.”
Arsenal beat Aston Villa 4-2 over the weekend to regain top spot in the Premier League from title rivals Manchester City but former Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor was not happy with Gunners winger Gabriel Martinelli.
“I thought Arsenal were impressive in the second half, they didn’t turn up in the first half, but in the second half they were relentless,” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT.
“[Bukayo] Saka getting at players, [Granit] Xhaka and [Martin] Odegaard finding space, and Arsenal thoroughly deserved the win.
“But, there was a part of the game I didn’t like. I didn’t like Martinelli running through, empty net, and he’s just celebrating before he’s put the ball into the back of the net.
“You know he’s been rubbish for a month, and he’s scoring a tap-in and celebrating before he scores.
“[It’s a] lack of respect for your team-mates, I didn’t like it. That from Martinelli for me today wasn’t very sportsmanlike.”
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