- Riccardo Calafiori showed his confidence when speaking after joining Arsenal
- The Italian defender completed a £42m transfer to the Gunners on Monday.
- Calafiori praised Mikel Arteta’s team as “the best project” since his signing
Riccardo Calafiori boldly proclaimed that he joined Arsenal to win trophies after attending their match against Crystal Palace in January.
The 22-year-old Bologna defender has signed a five-year contract with Arsenal, worth around £42million, and joined the team in Philadelphia on Monday.
He said: ‘I spoke for almost two months with the coach (Mikel Arteta) and Edu. They tried to convince me but I was already really convinced to come here.
‘For me it’s the best project I can have to improve as a player. That’s all.
“I want to improve, win titles. It’s the best project for me because the team is young, the team is strong, it’s really good.”
Defender Riccardo Calafiori boldly proclaimed that he joined Arsenal to win trophies
The Italian completed his £42million transfer to the Gunners on Monday and joined the squad in the United States.
On what he can bring to Arsenal to help them win the Premier League, he added: “Maybe my mentality. I like to win. Starting with training. I want to give this to the team.
“I’m also confident on the ball and I like to play. So this is the perfect choice.” Arteta was very pleased with the signing he was so eager to close.
Arteta said: ‘When I spoke to him once or twice, he wasn’t sure if we could do it or not.
Calafiori impressed at Euro 2024 with Italy and is eager to get started in the Premier League
Calafiori has already met up with his Arsenal teammates, including his international teammate Jorginho (right)
‘He was firm: ‘Let me know when you’re ready, I’ve got my bags packed and I just want to join Arsenal.’ Those were his words.
“When you have someone with that will and passion to come and make us better, and with that determination, it’s a very powerful thing. As a club, we should be very proud of that.”
