Arsenal Star Says It Was His Childhood Dream To Play For The Club

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Italy international Riccardo Calafiori has described playing in the Champions League with Arsenal as a “childhood dream come true” after making his debut in the competition this season.

The 22-year-old defender joined Arsenal from Bologna in the summer of 2024 for a reported fee of £42 million, following extensive negotiations between all parties. Despite an injury-disrupted first season, Calafiori has impressed under Mikel Arteta as he competes for the left-back spot with rising star Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Currently on international duty with Italy, Calafiori reflected on his experience at Arsenal and his thoughts on playing at the highest level.

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“It was a childhood dream of mine, and I made it come true. It’s an incredible feeling,” he said at a press conference on Wednesday, via TMW. “I prefer playing at the highest levels—Champions League, Premier League, or with the national team.”

When asked if his time in England could help him become a leader in Italy’s squad, he responded: “The Premier League is a unique competition, and it gives you a lot. It won’t be easy, but we have a great group. I focus on the team more than on personal goals.”

Calafiori, who played 43 matches in Serie A before his move to North London, was also asked about the differences between Italy’s top flight and the Premier League.

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“I don’t feel like making comparisons; they are different leagues,” he admitted. “Maybe teams there focus less on defending and more on scoring one extra goal.”

The Italian defender is set to start in Italy’s three-man defense alongside Alessandro Bastoni and either Giovanni Di Lorenzo or Alessandro Buongiorno in their UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg against Germany.

Calafiori has made 26 appearances for Arsenal this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists. His contract with the Gunners runs until June 2029.