Chelsea footballer Jorginho praised for ‘amazing’ sign language message

Chelsea midfielder and Italian national team member Jorginho Frello impressed both Deaf and hearing fans this week, as he shared a message signed completely in British Sign Language.

The video, posted to the footballer’s Instagram account on Monday, has received more than 500,000 views at the time of writing.

After introducing himself and sharing his sign name, went on to add: “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.”

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A post shared by Jorginho Frello (@jorginhofrello)

The clip has since caught the attention of the Deaf community, with twins Hermon and Heroda commenting: “Bravo! You made our deaf community included, thank you! Can we say your sign is beautiful!”

Content creator James Boyle responded: “Thanks man for signing! You’re really good at it. Keep it up!”

EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who is currently wowing audiences on Strictly Come Dancing, wrote: “Amazing! Massive respect for you and am very impressed.”

Her dance partner on the show, Giovanni Pernice, described Joringho as “just the best in the world”.

Jorginho tagged online BSL course provider SignSay in the post, who said “it’s been great” working with the sportsman and “look forward to doing more” with him soon.

Photo: @jorginhofrello/Instagram.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.