Jorginho dreams of winning the Ballon d’Or as Azzurri head coach Roberto Mancini insists no one is “worthy” to surpass the Chelsea and Italian star.
Having won Euro 2020 with Italy after assisting Chelsea in honoring the Champions League last season, Jorginho is among the nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or, alongside players such as Paris Saint-Germain and Copa America champion Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski.
Jorginho has already won the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award following his respect for the club and the country.
“Ballon d’Or? This is the dream of every child in the world,” Jorginho told reporters ahead of the third-place play-off match against the Nations League on Sunday against Belgium.
“I’ve learned that dreaming of small things and big things is the same. Therefore, I prefer to dream of big things.”
“It would be amazing,” continued the 29-year-old, “I can’t find the words to describe it. I never thought of it when I started my career.
Jorginho added: “Things are changing fast. I’ve worked hard with Chelsea and Italy, and then this wonderful season happened.
“Everyone has helped me. I don’t feel pressured, to be honest. I’m calm because everyone believes in me. I’m happy.”
Italian manager Mancini also acknowledged Jorginho’s respect for the individual, telling a press conference: “They were selected because they are good players and not because of me.
“If I had to choose one, I would give it to Jorginho because he has won the Champions League, the Euro Cup, and the FA Cup. He deserves that, I don’t think anyone deserves more than him.”