Alessandro del Piero praised Jorginho’s significant rise from the bottom of the footballing barrel to spearheading Chelsea to European glory.
Speaking on ESPN, Del Piero wished that his fellow countryman had picked up the Ballon d’Or prize, in homage to his epic journey through the profession.
The 29-year-old’s adventure almost ended before it had even begun, however.
Off to a bad start
According to the Daily Mail, the midfielder was on the verge of backing everything in whilst he was playing for Hellas Verona as a teenager.
Thankfully for Chelsea and Italy, Jorginho decided to stick with the sport. The spoils since have been worth the persistence.
After voyaging through Verona’s set-up, the Italian international truly announced himself to the world as a Napoli player.
Thanks to his prominent Serie A station, he earned a move to the promised lands of the Premier League.
Maurizio Sarri brought his trusted soldier with him from Naples to Stamford Bridge in 2018.
Despite the pair receiving repeated criticism from several corners of the industry, they claimed Europa League glory, Sarri’s first-ever piece of competitive silverware.
Best in the business
After the cigarette consuming coach made way for Frank Lampard, Jorginho’s form took a turn.
He was repeatedly left on the bench by the new manager, which caused concerns over his future in South West London.
His saving grace came in the form of Thomas Tuchel’s introduction earlier this year.
Chelsea as a whole were transformed, but their man in the middle also made a noticeable improvement.
Jorginho played a crucial part in the Blues’ Champions League success, then featured equally as prominently throughout Italy’s European Championship victory.
A Super Cup winners’ medal and the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award followed soon after.
All of his efforts resulted in a third-place finish at the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony, beaten by Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi.
“These three guys deserve it,” said Del Piero on the podium placers.
“I would’ve loved to have given it to Jorginho because of his transformation as a professional player, almost quitting and now becoming a huge and fundamental midfielder for Italy and Chelsea and both teams they won the Euro and the Champions League.
“So, when you have these kind of titles and you are the guy who everyone is looking for – and of course he is Italian – is another reason.”
Jorginho will have another chance at individual glory at the FIFA and Globe Soccer ceremonies, where he has been voted in the main category for both.
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