Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has revealed his desire to move to Manchester City before his switch to Stamford Bridge in 2018.

Former Blues manager Maurizio Sarri eventually brought the Italian international with him from Serie A side Napoli and he has become a key player for both Thomas Tuchel and Roberto Mancini in the national team set-up.

Jorginho told L’Equipe: “I had been working with [Maurizio] Sarri for three years, so when he wanted me at Chelsea, I didn’t really want to go.

“I had started discussions with Manchester City and I could see myself there already.

“But hey, Chelsea insisted, and I’m very happy here today, especially after such an incredible 2021.”

“It was absolutely surreal. I use the word ‘surreal’ because what is happening to me is so huge that I can hardly believe it. I couldn’t even dream of it.”

The 29-year-old has been widely tipped to win the Ballon d’Or after his performances that led Chelsea to the Champions League and the Azzuri to a European Championships win.

His style hasn’t always meant he is a stand out, but his ability to circulate the ball is like very few in the game.

He continued: “It’s true that people don’t see me too much.

“I stay in the shadows. I’m not like N’Golo [Kante] who runs around for 90 minutes and steals 300 balls per game.

“I’m not like [Mateo] Kovacic who managed to dribble past two players before throwing himself forward.

“Me, I am more the one who fluidifies the whole move, puts oil in the engine.

“I’ve managed to gain the trust of my team-mates, so when I tell them where to go, they listen to me and it’s very rewarding.”