Italy international Riccardo Calafiori is already settling in to his new surroundings at the Emirates, as he was spotted singing along to Arsenal’s pre-match anthem ‘The Angel’ before Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Brighton in the Premier League.
‘“North London forever, whatever the weather,” the former Bologna defender could be seen mouthing as he took his place on the bench before kick-off against Brighton.
The Angel, commonly referred to by the first line of its chorus, ‘North London Forever’, was introduced by Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta to bring an extra level of energy and atmosphere before matches at the Emirates.
Arsenal fans will see Riccardo Calafiori singing ‘North London Forever’ and just say, ‘hell yeah’ 👍🔴
The Italian is feeling right at home at the Emirates. pic.twitter.com/Dq50Gkt7n2
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) September 4, 2024
Calafiori settling in at Arsenal
The 22-year-old officially joined Arsenal in a permanent deal from Bologna earlier this summer at a reported fee of around €50m (£42m).
He is yet to start for the Gunners in the Premier League, or in any of the later pre-season friendlies this summer, but he has emerged off the bench in the last two games against Brighton and Aston Villa.
He has been selected for Luciano Spalletti’s latest Italy squad for Nations League fixtures against France and Israel on Friday and Monday respectively, and will return to England next week to prepare for a highly-anticipated North London Derby against Tottenham.
“Yet to start…”
What a mistake to go to the EPL. Sure, you make money, but you won’t play… I’d rather make less (still a lot of money) and play regularly. What’s the point otherwise?