Chiellini believes Jorginho 'truly deserves' to win Ballon d'Or ahead of Messi

The Italy captain has added his support to calls for Jorginho to be anointed as the world's best player in the world after starring roles for club and country.

The midfield metronome lifted both the Champions League and European Championship trophies during the calendar year, and was one of football's most successful players.

"I truly hope he will be able to win it, because he's a good friend of mine," Chiellini said ahead of Juventus' Champions League clash with Chelsea.

"And it would also be an award that I will also feel is mine, being an Italian of course, and as a player involved in a win and emotions that will always be in our hearts.

"I'd always thought that Jorginho was a good player. Since [Roberto] Mancini arrived and was able to give him continuity, I was able to realise just how good he is and what a top player he really is.

"Maybe he doesn't have the greatest physical qualities, but the real difference lies in his head and his mentality."

Jorginho rose to prominence at Napoli under Maurizio Sarri, before moving to Chelsea alongside the manager in 2018.

There were some doubts if Jorginho could be as effective under a different coach, but he has since excelled under Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge, as well as for the national side.

"I was really happy, because many people said he could only play with Sarri and instead two other coaches arrived at Chelsea - and also the Italian national team," Chiellini explained.

"So wherever he goes, wherever he plays, he's a regular player.

"I'm really happy for him and he truly deserves to win that award. So I hope that he will be awarded the Ballon d'Or."

Jorginho is currently the third favourite to win the prestigious award, behind Argentina's Copa America winning captain Lionel Messi, and Bayern Munich's unstoppable target man Robert Lewandowski.

Lyon defender Emerson Palmieri has also backed Jorginho to take home the award, after winning both major trophies alongside him for Italy and Chelsea last season.

"[Gianluigi] Donnarumma did great things at AC Milan," the on-loan Blues defender said.

"Like me, Jorginho won everything, but he has played at a high level for a couple of seasons. He deserves it [the Ballon d' Or]."