Arsenal midfielder Jorginho is currently taking lessons in sign language so he can communicate with fans that have difficulty hearing, or the total inability to hear.
The 31-year-old Italy international, who joined the Gunners from Chelsea in January for a reported £12 million, is fluent in four languages, including Portuguese, English and Spanish.
He is an "eager student", according to a recent report from The Times, who spoke to the former Hellas Verona and Napoli player about a number of subjects.
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In the interview, Jorginho opens up on guiding young players, Erling Haaland, his current manager Mikel Arteta and being puzzled when N'Golo Kante failed to pay him for a car.
The Brazil-born midfielder also revealed that he is still taking lessons in sign language so he can communicate with deaf supporters. “I love learning," he said. "I can naturally pick up things if I really want to.”
Jorginho has been learning sign language for some time. In fact, he began learning during lockdown and in 2021, he impressed fans by sharing a message signed completely in British Sign Language [BSL].
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After introducing himself and sharing his sign name, he gestured: “I have had an amazing year. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your support.
“I have received lots of messages. My message to you is, if you have a dream, be positive, never give up, and believe in yourself.”
Two years later and for the first time, Arsenal announced that a British Sign Language (BSL) service would be fully integrated at the Emirates for their Premier League clash against Bournemouth.
As well as featuring two mascots with non-visible disabilities, the pitchside show included a full BSL integration, while all club content within the stadium had an embedded BSL interpreter.
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Jorginho also made an appearance on the big-screen, where he showcased his sign language to supporters inside the stadium.
He gestured: "Welcome to the Emirates, my name is Jorginho. Arsenal prides itself on being inclusive to all supporters. We are pleased to launch our British Sign Language service for all home fixtures.
"BSL is now an officially recognised language. BSL creates an accessible matchday experience. Thank you, come on you Gunners."
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In addition to the above, a Sensory Room, Audio Descriptive Commentary and a specialist Disability Liaison Team that supported visitors was made available.
Topics: Jorginho, Arsenal, Chelsea, Premier League
Jack Kenmare