Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal’s Italian defender, vividly described the jubilant scenes that erupted in the team’s locker room after securing the historic Premier League title. The 26-year-old international admitted that Manchester City’s crucial slip at Bournemouth triggered an instant surge of emotion, ending Arsenal’s 22-year wait for a domestic crown.
A moment of pure joy in the locker room
The defender, who made 26 appearances during Arsenal’s remarkable campaign, lifted the trophy alongside his teammates following a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on the final day. This secured a seven-point gap over their closest rivals, Manchester City, at the summit of the table.
Calafiori, reflecting on the euphoria that followed the Bournemouth result, said: « Winning the Premier League was one of my childhood dreams. It was incredible, especially considering how the season unfolded. »
The most powerful moment, he recalled, came when the final whistle blew at Bournemouth-Manchester City. « Everyone exploded with joy—players and staff embraced, as if a huge weight had been lifted. We had waited 22 years for this. Walking through the city afterward, I truly understood how much this triumph meant to the fans and the community. »
Adapting to the intensity of English football
Calafiori discussed the challenges of settling into English football under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta. « At the start of the season, during our conversations, I could sense the trust he placed in me. It wasn’t a given—I hadn’t even expected it. I came here to step out of my comfort zone, and the adjustment wasn’t easy. The Premier League is a demanding league. But I’d recommend the experience to any young Italian player. »
Arteta’s tactical vision drives team cohesion
The Italian defender credited Arsenal’s strong unity to the club’s long-term strategy and meticulous workload management. Appointed in 2019, Arteta initially guided the team to near-misses before finally delivering the title this season.
Drawing a contrast between Serie A and the Premier League, Calafiori noted: « In Italy, it’s unthinkable to give an unproven manager time to build. »
« The cohesion we have is thanks to Arteta, but also to the club’s patience. I’ve never spent two seasons at the same club before. When I arrived, I was exhausted and thought, “I’ll never play here.” The difference lies in the weekly schedule and workload. Here, we play around 60 matches a year, so training focuses heavily on recovery. The goal is to arrive at each game in peak condition—it’s all about mentality. »
Chasing European glory after domestic success
As Arsenal prepare for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, Calafiori, the only Italian representative in the showpiece, expressed his pride in carrying the national colors. « I’ll have the chance to wear my country’s shirt and chase this trophy, especially after missing out on the World Cup this year, » he said.
« Before, I used to play Champions League finals on PlayStation with my best friend, Nicolò Cesaroni, who’ll be in the stadium to support me. Right now, I’m staying calm—I think I’ll only fully realize it when I board the plane. Opportunities like this come once in a lifetime; you have to seize them. »
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