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Jorginho joins Sarri at Chelsea for reported €57M fee

Francesco Pecoraro / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Jorginho made the move to Chelsea with manager Maurizio Sarri on Saturday, joining the west London side from Napoli for a reported €57-million fee.

The 26-year-old shunned Manchester City to sign a five-year contract with the capital club.

City reportedly agreed to a deal for Jorginho before Chelsea intervened. The Blues then struck an agreement with Napoli as they discussed compensation for Sarri's release.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis apologised to City earlier this week, but Goal's Sam Lee reports City remains "livid" with the Italian side over its "unprecedented lack of professionalism."

In any case, Chelsea can now begin to think about the future, having dispensed with Antonio Conte on Friday to accommodate Sarri.

"I am absolutely ecstatic to be here at Chelsea," Jorginho said. "It is not easy to become part of such a big team so I am very, very happy. I am excited to play in such an intense league, for a team that gives everything to play and win."

Jorginho developed a strong understanding with Sarri over three seasons at Napoli, fulfilling the role of the deep-lying playmaker in a 4-3-3 formation. He led all players in the top five European leagues in successful passes during his time with the Partenopei, and earned plaudits for the way he recycled possession.

Jorginho is now expected to start in a similar role at Stamford Bridge between Cesc Fabregas and N'Golo Kante.

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