Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori has opened up on his adaptation to life in London including a superb trick for improving his English language skills.
The Italian international starred in his debut campaign for Serie A side Bologna in 2023/24 as Thiago Motta’s team sealed a first-ever UEFA Champions League qualification spot.
However, his performances at the heart of Motta’s back line and a strong showing for Italy at UEFA Euro 2024, caught Mikel Arteta’s eye as the Gunners eventually completed a £42m ($55m) transfer swoop for the 22-year-old.
Minor injuries blocked his start to the Premier League season, but Calafiori started Arsenal’s last six games before the October international break, as Arteta eases him into a left-back role.
As part of his adjustment to living in England, Calafiori has admitted he was determined to improve his English skills as quickly as possible, and the Rome-born defender has hit upon an unorthodox approach.
“I have been learning English since I was a kid. I started with Netflix, with some song lyrics, and a little UK drill music too!”, he told an interview with BBC presenter Roman Kemp.
Netflix and c̶h̶i̶l̶l̶ drill ?
Riccardo Calafiori is settling into life in England!#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/DRvoVbPn3d
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) October 17, 2024
“I’m still learning and I want to improve.
“The food here is not so bad, I expected worse, it’s no so bad. Fish and chips is good, once per month you can eat it. I want to feel the whole experience here.
Calafiori opened his Gunners account with a spectacular goal in Arsenal’s 2-2 Premier League draw with title rivals Manchester City on September 22 and he looks settled in the starting XI.
They return to Premier League action at Bournemouth on October 19 with Calafiori fresh from completing 90 minutes twice for Italy in UEFA Nations League duty last week.
