Transfer: I was surprised – Jorginho speaks on leaving Arsenal this summer 

Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has confirmed his decision to stay at Arsenal this summer, despite links with a move back to Italy.

Jorginho joined the Gunners in January from Chelsea and played a crucial supporting role as Mikel Arteta’s side chased the Premier League title, only to lose out to Man City after a late collapse.

The 31-year-old has been linked with a move to Lazio this summer, but the midfielder has insisted he has no plans to leave and looks forward to a first full season at Arsenal where he hopes to challenge for top honours again.

He told the Evening Standard: “To be honest, I was surprised but really happy by how welcome I was, how (Arsenal) treated me when I came in.

“It just made everything so much easier for me to know more people to integrate in the team. So it was really, really, really good and I am really, really happy.

“I’m very happy to stay at Arsenal to be honest. Those rumours, I’m not sure who was behind it, to be honest, but nothing at the moment has happened to me. I’m quite happy where I am.

“That (missing out on the title) was painful. Of course, at the beginning of the season no one expected Arsenal to be where they were

“Anyone at the beginning of the season would sign off that you are going to finish the League in second. Everyone would say straight away: ‘Yes’. But then once you are there and fighting for it, then it’s a bit frustrating and painful.

“I think we will have a lot to learn about everything we do and it’s a lesson. I hope we can do even better next year. It’s been a while [since Arsenal have been in the Champions League]. Everyone is very excited. Everyone can’t wait to play with the ball with the stars. It’s going to be an exciting season for sure.”