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Riccardo Calafiori has opened up on the pitch from Mikel Arteta which convinced him to join Arsenal but revealed it took him some time to adapt to the Spaniard’s plans.
The Italy defender joined the Gunners last summer in a £42m move from Bologna and, although his debut season has been interrupted by injuries, has generally impressed in his 16 appearances for the club.
Upon his arrival in North London last summer, the 22-year-old revealed that he had joined Arsenal to play under Arteta.
Now that he has had the chance to work under the Spaniard for six months, Calafiori’s admiration is undimmed but admits that he didn’t find life easy at first.
‘I was really excited to join because Mikel showed me his ideas and the plans he had for me,’ Calafiori told Men in Blazers.
‘I couldn’t wait to play for him. I think it was the right option for me to develop and improve, to become a top player. That’s why I am here and I want to keep going.
Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori has impressed on his debut season in the Premier League
Calafiori, pictured with Mikel Arteta, signed from Bologna in the summer on a £42million deal
The 22-year-old wheels away in celebration after scoring a stunning goal against Man City
‘It’s the details, it’s something I’ve never seen before in a coach. Nothing is casual with him.
‘When I first came here, it was impossible to play because you had so much information to remember.
‘For sure, you need a month to get used to it.’
Calafiori provided one of the moments of the season for Arsenal when he fired in a brilliant long-range equaliser against Manchester City in September 2-2 draw at the Etihad.
It showed a glimpse of the versatility in the Italy international’s game. Calafiori has drifted into a deep playmaker role for his country – and, sporadically, for Arsenal – and believes he can be used further forward.
‘One of my skillsets is my intensity and my mental strength,’ he said.
‘I don’t mind playing left-back or centre back and I want to play on a midfielder if I can.
‘It depends on the team and the ideas of the coach. For example, Mikel wants me to stay inside so I play as a centre back.’
Calafiori is a versatile player and often drives forward with the ball when playing for Italy
Calafiori has been trying out some London slang on the likes of team-mate Declan Rice (left)
Calafiori battles for the ball with Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh during the 1-1 draw on January 4
That versality is not restricted to the football pitch, however, and has helped Rome-born Calafiori adapt to life in a new country.
Calafiori had a decent level of English before moving to London but has revealed the unorthodox methods he has used to really fit in with his new team-mates.
‘In the past, I learnt English through Netflix and through lyrics of songs,’ he said.
‘As soon as I arrived here, I want to improve and learn the slang of the London guys. So, then I started listening to UK drill.
‘So, I use “geezer” with some of my team-mates, with Declan (Rice) and the other guys.’
Calafiori got the opportunity to try out some more of his London slang on Rice on Tuesday when he travelled with the England midfielder – and Jurrien Timber – to ‘Emirates World’ Travel Store in South Kensington which opened last October.
Arsenal stars (from left) Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori are given a warm welcome as they visit ‘Emirates World’ Travel Store in South Kensington on Tuesday
The trio leafed through Arsenal kit and merchandise before trying out a ‘selfie mirror’
Jurrien Timber is all smiles as he enjoys the comforts of first-class treatment at Emirates
The trio leafed through Arsenal kit and merchandise before trying out a ‘selfie mirror’ to snap pictures against scenic backdrops.
The players enjoyed the first-class private suite as they got to know the team at Emirates who have sponsored Arsenal since 2006.
The ‘Emirates World’ Travel Store offers expert personal travel advice and showcases smart technology and immersive experiences to customers.