The Italian was named as Europe’s best performer, beating off competition from Chelsea team-mate N’Golo Kante and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne to win the award that is voted for by leading managers and journalists from around the continent, with every coach in charge of teams competing in last season’s Champions League and Europa League, as well as Euro 2020, having a vote.

Jorginho played a vital role as the Blues lifted the Champions League in May following our win over Manchester City, before adding to that triumph by helping us win the Super Cup earlier this month. The Italian was a key part of Roberto Mancini’s national side that won Euro 2020 in July, too.

‘I have no words to describe this moment,’ Jorginho said on winning the award.

‘It’s unreal for me because I have worked so hard to get here. It feels amazing and none of this would have happened without the help of everyone who contributed along the way. All of my team-mates, for both Chelsea and the national team, my managers, kit men, physios, medical staff and just everyone that works in the building.

‘It happened because of everyone and not just me, so it means a lot. I just want to say thank you to all those people who have helped along the way, and even to those who didn’t believe in me because they motivated me to work even harder.

‘It’s a great feeling, I’m really happy and I just want to say thank you to everyone.’

Jorginho proved to be a vital part of Thomas Tuchel’s midfield in 2021, with the Italian often half of what the German head coach likes to describe as his ‘double-six’ in the middle of the park.

The Chelsea vice-captain was an almost ever-present under the German since he arrived in January, with his on-field leadership and willingness to take the ball in all areas of the pitch proving a key part of our success in Europe.

Our No.5 finished the season with the sixth most starts in all competitions, including in that glorious Champions League final climax in Porto. Against the club from that city in the quarter-finals, he was named man of the match by UEFA and registered an assist with a defence-splitting pass for Mount to open the scoring in a 2-0 win, in a tie that ended 2-1 on aggregate.

He was imperious in midfield alongside N’Golo Kante as we defeated Manchester City in the Champions League final, adding the first of three European trophies to his CV.

The 29-year-old midfielder then played a vital role for Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri at Euro 2020, making the Italians tick with an incredible 93 per cent successful passing percentage from his seven games and leading Italy to the title with a penalty shootout victory over England at Wembley.

After enjoying some well-deserved downtime, Jorginho returned from his break and helped himself to yet more silverware in a Chelsea shirt as he came off the bench to help the Blues defeat Villarreal in the Super Cup in Belfast earlier this month.

The midfielder will be handed his award ahead of our first Champions League home fixture this season. Many congratulations, Jorgi!