Granit Xhaka reacts as Jorginho celebrates career-first achievement

Granit Xhaka has reacted after former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Jorginho won the Campeonato Carioca title with Flamengo on Sunday.

The midfielder scored a penalty in his classic style as his side beat Fluminense on penalties after the match had ended goalless.

The Campeonato Carioca is the top-flight professional state football league, marking, incredibly, the first league title of Jorginho's career.

The 34-year-old has won the Champions League, the European Championship, the Europa League and several more trophies but never a league title, until now.

Arsenal almost won the Premier League with the help of the Italian, but ultimately fell short during his time at the club.

Granit Xhaka reacts to Jorginho post

Jorginho joined Arsenal from Chelsea in January 2023, a signing that was not initially received well by the fans.

The Italian was seen as surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, and not the impactful signing the Gunners needed to aid their title challenge.

Aid it he did, however, proving key in the final months of a season that ultimately ended in disappointment due to factors elsewhere.

One standout moment saw Jorginho score a crucial goal against Aston Villa at Villa Park, completing the comeback for Arsenal and providing a brilliant memory.

The 34-year-old continued to play a part in his next two seasons at the club, and ultimately left at the end of his contract with the favour of the Arsenal fans very much secured.

His time in Brazil has been a success and he marked another superb moment on Sunday with yet another title.

Jorginho took to Instagram to share a picture of him with the trophy, captioned with the phrase "CAMPEÃO CARIOCA 2026!"

Xhaka is thriving at Sunderland after returning to the Premier League following his 2023 exit from Arsenal, having spent the second half of the season with Jorginho. The midfielder liked the post.

What Jorginho said after leaving Arsenal

Considering how Jorginho was received when he first arrived at Arsenal, the emotion behind his exit spoke volumes.

The Italian became a real fan favourite during his three years at the Emirates Stadium, and while there was an acknowledgement that it was his time to leave, his departure was not celebrated.

"Your support... it meant everything," Jorginho said in his farewell video. "Whether I was starting or on the bench, you made me feel valued. Loved.

"That's rare in football and I’ll never forget it. Now, it's time to say goodbye. Or maybe a see you soon. When a place feels like home, a farewell is never easy.

"But I leave with my head held high and my heart full. To my team-mates, thank you for trusting me, for pushing me."