Chelsea midfielder Jorginho believes he could be in the running to win the Ballon d’Or after winning the European Championships with Italy.
He also lifted the Champions League trophy with Chelsea earlier this year and stood out in a superb Italy team that won the Euros.
Jorginho will be competing with players like Lionel Messi, who just won the Copa America with Argentina, and Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo for the Ballon d’Or.
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But the 29-year-old believes no other player has had a better season than him.
“We all have dreams,” Jorginho said when asked about his chances. “But I’ll be honest, it depends on the criteria a decision is made based on. If we’re talking about talent then I know I’m not the best in the world.
“How could I compare myself to Messi, Neymar or Cristiano Ronaldo? They’ve completely different characteristics to me. But, I repeat, it depends on the criteria.”
Jorginho could have been playing for Brazil having been born there before moving to Italy.
The Chelsea star was asked if the decision to represent Italy ahead of Brazil was tough after helping his country win Euro 2020.
“I didn’t think twice,” Jorginho said. “After the Under-21s I only played friendlies for Italy, then in November 2017 I was called up for the World Cup playoff against Sweden.
“Then, Brazil wanted me too. Playing for Brazil was my dream since I was a child, but I thought that Italy needed help.
“And when I had needed help, Italy opened their doors to me and embraced me. “My heart said ‘Italy needs you’, so I made that decision and I’m very happy that I did.”
Jorginho was one of five Italy players who made it into the team of the tournament.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Leonardo Spinazzola, Leonardo Bonucci and Chiesa were all part of the team.
