The Japan Times - Jorginho gunning for old side Chelsea with Flamengo at Club World Cup

The 33-year-old Italy midfielder returned to the country of his birth earlier this month when he joined Rio de Janeiro powerhouses Flamengo on a three-year contract.

That ended a long career in Europe, which began in Italy -- the land of his paternal great-grandfather -- 15 years ago and saw him star in Serie A for Hellas Verona and Napoli before a move to Chelsea in 2018.

He made more than 200 appearances for the Stamford Bridge side, helping them win the Europa League in 2019 and Champions League in 2021.

"It is nice to come up against a former team, and see old friends," Jorginho told reporters this week in Philadelphia, where Chelsea and Flamengo will meet at FIFA's new tournament.

The two clubs are jostling for supremacy in Group D after both won their opening matches on Monday, with Flamengo defeating Esperance while Chelsea overcame Los Angeles FC.

"I am ready to help in any way I can, on or off the field. It will be a really difficult game. We know how good a team they are and we will have to be prepared for it."

Jorginho, who spent the last two and a half years at Arsenal, has joined a Flamengo side who are top of the Brazilian league and through to the knockout phase of the Copa Libertadores, a competition they last won in 2022.

He will have to wait until next month to run out for his new team at the legendary Maracana in Rio, but his debut for Flamengo came in their 2-0 victory over Tunisian side Esperance in their opening Club World Cup game at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday.

- Big ambitions -

"I have not yet had the chance to play at the Maracana and I can't wait for that but I think it was a good debut for the whole team. The fans were right behind us as always. It has been easy for me to adapt and settle in," he said.

Jorginho is working under another former Chelsea player in Filipe Luis, the 39-year-old who took over as coach late last year.

Flamengo have real ambitions of making a big impact at the Club World Cup, with their experienced squad also featuring the likes of Danilo and Alex Sandro, two Brazilian international defenders who returned home after spells in Europe.

Midfielder Gerson, striker Pedro, Chile's Erick Pulgar and Uruguay's Giorgian de Arrascaeta are others who add knowledge of top-level international football in South America.

Flamengo are hoping to extend the impressive unbeaten record so far at the tournament for the six South American representatives -- four from Brazil and two from Argentina.

"It is an important competition and those of us who are playing in it are privileged," said Jorginho, who has appeared over 50 times for Italy but grew up in Imbituba, a port town in southern Brazil.

He believes his new team can go far at the competition, with Friday's game being followed by a meeting with Los Angeles FC in Orlando next Tuesday.

Bayern Munich, Benfica and Boca Juniors are possible opponents in the last 16 if they make it through to the knockout phase.

"I believe we have a chance of winning if we keep faith in our squad and in the work we are doing. Brazilian teams don't usually get to play against European teams and everyone is eager to see Flamengo compete."

T.Maeda--JT