Arsenal’s new signing Riccardo Calafiori says he was convinced about joining the club from Bologna before he’d even spoken to Mikel Arteta and Edu, but his decision was reaffirmed by a strong push from new teammate Jorginho.
The 22-year-old has signed a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium after Arsenal agreed to pay a total package worth €45m (£37.8m) to surprise Champions League qualifiers Bologna.
Calafiori stood out for Italy at Euro 2024, despite their early exit at the last 16 stage, and joins a strong-looking Arsenal backline that boasts the likes of William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ben White, and Jurrien Timber.
Capable of playing at centre-back and left-back, Calafiori will add another positive dynamic to Arsenal’s exceptionally talented squad, and the Italian told club media in his first interview that he can’t wait to test himself in the Premier League.
“It feels amazing,” he said. “It was tough until now, but finally we’re here and I cannot wait to start to train with the team and play for the fans.
“It’s actually been my dream since I was 12 or 13 years old, because I can see the level of the league here and the best players in the world, for me, play here. It’s a dream and not only for me, but for everybody.”
Tune in to 90min’s YouTube channel as Harry Symeou gets the expert lowdown on Riccardo Calafiori from Italian football journalist Alessandro Eremiti.
“I spoke a lot with the coach and with Edu, and they convinced me, but I was already convinced by myself,” he continued. “I think it’s the best project for me for the next few years, and I think I will improve as a player.
“I just met [Jorginho] one month ago, but I can see that he’s a really good guy. I was already convinced but he forced me. He said: ‘come, come, come! You will enjoy being here, the team is amazing and the staff, everything is good.’ You can see that already from the first few minutes here.”
Calafiori was already joined up with his Arsenal teammates for their pre-season tour of the United States, where he’ll hope to get experience under his belt ahead of the club’s push for a first Premier League title in over two decades.
Arsenal have come up just short in each of the last two campaigns, falling to Manchester City each time, but harbour ambitions of winning a first Premier League crown since Arsene Wenger’s famous Invincibles finished the 2003/04 season unbeaten.
“I came here to play so I will do everything to play and to give something to the team,” Calafiori concluded. “I hope I can do that from the first few games. From my point of view, it’s just the start, the beginning of something bigger. I’m excited to start to play for Arsenal and to win trophies.”
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