Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has backed AC Milan to defeat Tottenham in the Champions League round of 16. Spurs are set to welcome the Italian giants to N17 for the second-leg as Antonio Conte's side look to salvage a one-goal deficit.
Brahim Diaz handed Milan the lead inside the opening ten minutes. Fraser Forster parried Theo Hernandez's effort into the heart of the six-yard box, finding the Spaniard.
The England international, who has been covering for the injured Hugo Lloris, denied Diaz at his first attempt to break the deadlock but the Rossoneri star followed up the rebound and bundled the ball over the line. Ahead of what is set to be a blockbuster clash next month, Jorginho has issued his short, but sweet, verdict on the tie.
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Speaking to DAZN, the former Chelsea midfielder discussed the difference between Serie A and Premier League. Jorginho said: "There is a difference and you can see it in games. In Premier League, you have to fight until the end, also against the last in the table, every game is tough."
Then, when asked about the rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham, with a smile on his face he replied: "Forza Milan. The matches with Tottenham are those Arsenal fans look forward to the most. I am sure they will all support Milan."
Jorginho suffered a rough start to life at Arsenal since joining from Chelsea in January, with each of his previous appearances coming in defeats to Everton and Manchester City. But, the 31-year-old replaced Thomas Partey at the heart of the Gunners' midfield against Aston Villa to excellent effect.
Speaking to the press after game, Mikel Arteta lauded the Italy international for his 'huge impact' on and off the pitch. The Spaniard continued by urging supporters to get behind Jorginho and to understand why he's so important in the club's Premier League title charge.
"I certainly didn’t see that quality of him - scoring from deep," Arteta said. "The biggest quality he has is that he makes other people look better, better than what you actually are.
"He’s made a huge impact already on the boys and the staff and hopefully our fans. I hope people can see that because I thought he was tremendous today."
During his interview with DAZN, as quoted by Football Italia, Jorginho revealed what convinced him to swap Stamford Bridge for the Emirates Stadium. He said: "It’s one of the reasons, surely.
"He [Arteta] called me and it was all very quick, we made the deal in less than 48 hours. I had spoken to Chelsea and I knew I was no longer part of their plans.
"I wanted to progress in my career and the Arsenal project suits me. It’s a young team that plays good football and fits my characteristics.
"I considered every scenario and made the decision. Sometimes you must accept when you are out of a project and that things come to an end."
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