Arsenals Riccardo Calafiori revealed an unexpected football idol – and it would not be the one that many would have suspected.
In a recently exclusive interview with AGAINSTThe Italian international spoke openly about everything, of his role as an ambassador for the underwear line from Adidas to the one he believes that he has the best hair in Arsenal (Noni Madueke, for recording).
But it was his football idol that really attracted attention.
While most would assume that he looked at legendary Italian defenders like Paolo Maldini or Alessandro Nesta, Calafiori revealed that his inspiration came from a more surprising source: Aleksandar Kolarov, the former city in Manchester and as Roma.
“When I was younger in Roma, I was lucky enough to train with the first team,” said Calafiori. “I had to learn directly from Aleksandar Kolarov who played my position. He was someone I could see every day – his technique, his mentality – and he gave me advice and small details that I still keep with me today.”
Although Kolarov was his main influence, Calafiori mentioned the classic icons of Italian defense. “Of course, defenders like Maldini, Nesta, Chiellini … These players are icons for me,” he added.
Elsewhere in the interview, the 23-year-old spoke about life in Arsenal last summer since his £ 42-million train.
“It’s something special,” he said. “Everyone is a good guy, we are friends, and I feel very comfortable here. The last season was not easy, but I came back in me with a fire this summer. I couldn’t wait to start again. Playing in the Premier League is the dream for so many players, so I just want to enjoy and show what I can do consistently.”
Kolarov was a pillar of consistency in Manchester City and helped the club to win two Premier League titles. Now Calafiori will undoubtedly hope to reproduce the success of his idol near Arsenal.