Chelsea and Italy midfielder Jorginho believes he has reached a crucial moment in his career.
Big things are expected of the 26-year-old, who completed a £57 million (€65m/$86m) move from Napoli to Chelsea in the summer.
Jorginho has enjoyed a bright start to his Chelsea career, playing every minute of the Blues' four Premier League wins to begin the 2018-19 season.
On the international level the midfielder has begun to establish himself as a starter for Italy, though he only earned his third career cap in the second leg of the Azzurri's ultimately unsuccessful play-off with Sweden for a spot at World Cup 2018.
Speaking after Italy's 1-0 UEFA Nations League defeat to Portugal on Monday, Jorginho emphasised the importance of the moment he's reached.
"This is a very important moment in my career, a crucial moment, even for my age," Jorginho said.
"I'm working hard to show that I'm getting all that trust. I am very happy."
Jorginho's first international goal arrived from the penalty spot in a 1-1 draw against Poland last week, and the midfielder was honoured to earn the trust needed to take spot-kicks.
"I believe it is also a question of trust," the 26-year-old said.
"Trust me, for the moment that I am living, and also for the confidence of my companions. I asked to kick the penalty, and they gave me the ball. It is very rewarding."
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Though he was born in Brazil, Jorginho now proudly represents Italy at the international level – though he is trying to bring out some of his Brazilian roots when wearing the Azzurri colours.
"The little bit of my Brazilian side in Azzurri is perhaps to play more with the ball on the ground and have the tranquility to hold the ball," Jorginho said.
"The idea is to have more control of the game."
Though he brings out his Brazilian side during games, he is a true Italian when he hears the national anthem prior to matches.
"Every time the hymn plays it's an emotion. Getting here has had a lot of sacrifice, a lot of hard work," the midfielder said.
"It's a huge energy, it's a lot of adrenaline too. I sing the Italian anthem with all my soul, with my whole body. It is a very beautiful moment for a player."
