Napoli midfielder Jorginho joins Chelsea on 5-year contract

English Premier League (EPL) club Chelsea announced on Saturday the signing of Napoli's Italian-Brazilian midfielder Jorginho on a five-year contract for a reported transfer fee of 50 million pounds sterling ($66.15 million).

After spending five years at Napoli, Jorginho has followed his Italian coach Maurizio Sarri to Chelsea, who earlier Saturday was named as the club's new head coach after leaving the Serie A side, reported Efe.

"I am absolutely ecstatic to be here at Chelsea. 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 said in a statement on the club's website.

Chelsea's director, Marina Granovskaia, hailed the team's first summer signing as "one the most coveted midfielders in Europe" and said he would be a major addition to the squad.

"He has demonstrated his quality working under Maurizio Sarri and we are convinced his signing will help bring further success to Stamford Bridge," Granovskaia added.

During the 2017-2018 Serie A season, Jorginho scored three goals in 39 appearances with Napoli.

Jorginho was also linked with EPL champions Manchester City.

--IANS

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