Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has left the Italy national camp, according to reports, with suggestions that he could retire from international football altogether in the future. It comes after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup for a second time in a row, with 2014 their last appearance in the competition.
The national side lost to North Macedonia in a qualifying playoff match, with a 91st minute strike knocking them out from potentially travelling to Qatar. It wildly contrasts the emotions felt in the summer, where the team were crowned European Champions.
Jorginho played a key role last year in a similar way he does for the Blues, rotating possession well in the midfield. However, his heroics turned on its head in World Cup qualification.
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The 30-year-old missed two penalties in a crunch match with Switzerland in the group stage, which meant that the side finished second and had to go into the playoff game with minnows North Macedonia. The loss to them was a shock and Jorginho has claimed he will be “haunted” by his two misses in the group.
Speaking to RAI Sport, he said: “It hurts when I think about it, because I do still think about it and it will haunt me for the rest of my life. Stepping up there twice and not being able to help your team and your country is something that I will carry with me forever, and it weighs on me. People say we need to lift our heads and carry on, but it’s tough.”
Following the recent heartache, Corriere dello Sport reports that Jorginho has left the international camp and suggests that he could retire from international football altogether. It would represent a difficult end to a good career for the Blues midfielder.
However, his early return from duty may allow him to rest physically and mentally after a difficult week.
