'One of the best': Riccardo Calafiori names the Arsenal player he used to idolise growing up
Today at 07:15 AM
Arsenal were very selective in their summer transfer business with only four new faces coming through the doors.
Mikel Arteta has been putting together a squad which he feels is capable of battling for the Premier League title over the past few years.
And over the last two seasons, the Gunners have come extremely close as they have pushed Manchester City right to the wire.
However, Arsenal have not quite been able to get over the line when it comes to getting their hands on the title.
And that is why the Gunners have continued to invest in their squad over the recent summer window with big name arrivals like Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino.
Despite having grown up in Italy, Calafiori has now revealed that there was one Arsenal player who he used to love watching as a kid.
Which Arsenal player Riccardo Calafiori admired as a child
Calafiori has made a bright start to life in north London having made eight appearances across all competitions.
His first goal for the Gunners came in their draw at the Etihad Stadium and it was a goal which the Arsenal forwards would have been proud of.
And it could be said it was a goal which will have impressed the player who he grew up idolising as he grew up in Italy.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Calafiori admitted he loved watching Arsenal legend Thierry Henry as a child.
When asked which players he used to idolise growing up, Calafiori shared his admiration for AS Roma legend Francesco Totti and even Cristiano Ronaldo.
But he also admitted he thought Henry was one of the best players to watch: “A little bit earlier, I think Thierry Henry, he was one of the best,” he said.
Arsenal have a huge few weeks ahead
With the international break coming to an end, the Gunners face a seriously congested fixture schedule with games across a number of competitions.
However, the standout game coming up is their clash at the end of the month at home to their title rivals, Liverpool.
Having already drawn against City, Arsenal will be looking to secure a result against Arne Slot’s side who currently sit top of the table.
And it is versatile players like Calafiori who could be key to getting Arteta’s side through these games given he can help rotate the backline with his ability to play in various positions.
