Italy international Riccardo Calafiori has already joined up with his new coach and Arsenal teammates in the United States after formally announcing his permanent move from Bologna on Monday.
Arsenal have released footage of Calafiori’s first team meeting with Arsenal, during which he was invited to say a few words in front of his new teammates by coach Mikel Arteta.
“Of course, I’m really happy to be here, I waited a lot and I hope we are going to do something great this year,” the former Bologna, Basel and Roma defender said.
Benvenuto, Riccardo Calafiori 🇮🇹
Meeting new teammates for the very first time ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JbUhqOBCMN
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 29, 2024
Calafiori gives first Arsenal interview
Calafiori also gave his first interview to the club’s media channels on Monday.
He revealed that it has been his dream since he was a teenager to play in the Premier League.
“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,” he said.
Calafiori has one international colleague already familiar with the environment in North London.
“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.”
Talks with Arteta and Arsenal’s sporting director Edu were also key in convincing him to leave Bologna.
“I spoke a lot with the coach and with Edu, and they convinced me, but I was already convinced by myself. I think it’s the best project for me for the next few years, and I think I will improve as a player.”
Click here to read more about Calafiori’s move to Arsenal