Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori reveals unlikely footballing idol
Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori has revealed an sudden footballing idol – and it’s not who many would have guessed.
In a current unique interview with VERSUS, the Italy worldwide spoke candidly about the whole lot from his function as an envoy for adidas’ underwear line, to who he thinks has the very best hair at Arsenal (Noni Madueke, for the file).
Nevertheless it was his footballing idol that actually caught consideration.
Whereas most would assume he seemed as much as legendary Italian defenders like Paolo Maldini or Alessandro Nesta, Calafiori revealed his inspiration got here from a extra shocking supply: Aleksandar Kolarov, the previous Manchester Metropolis and AS Roma full-back.
“Once I was youthful at Roma, I used to be fortunate to coach with the primary group,” Calafiori defined. “I bought to study instantly from Aleksandar Kolarov, who performed my place. He was somebody I may watch day by day – his method, his mentality – and he gave me recommendation and small particulars I nonetheless hold with me at present.”
Though Kolarov was his important affect, Calafiori did point out the traditional icons of Italian defending. “After all, defenders like Maldini, Nesta, Chiellini… these gamers are icons for me,” he added.
Elsewhere within the interview, the 23-year-old spoke about life at Arsenal since his £42m summer time transfer from Bologna final summer time.
“It’s particular,” he mentioned. “Everybody’s a great man, we’re buddies, and I really feel actually snug right here. Final season wasn’t simple, however I got here again this summer time with a fireplace inside me. I couldn’t wait to begin once more. Enjoying within the Premier League is the dream for therefore many gamers, so now I simply need to get pleasure from it and present what I can do constantly.”
Kolarov was a pillar of consistency at Manchester Metropolis, serving to the membership win two Premier League titles. Now, Calafiori will undoubtedly be hoping to copy his idol’s success at Arsenal.
