Riccardo Calafiori is still soaking in the euphoria of Arsenal’s Premier League triumph, a feeling he describes as “joy never felt before.” In an exclusive interview with Sky Sport, the Italian defender opened up about the rollercoaster season that ended with the Gunners lifting the domestic crown, while also turning his attention to the looming Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
For Calafiori, the moment of victory surpassed even his wildest dreams. “We had to chase this for so long, and when you finally get it, sometimes the reality doesn’t match the fantasy,” he explained. “But this time it was even more beautiful than I imagined.” That raw emotion came through clearly as he reflected on the culmination of months of intense work under the relentless guidance of Mikel Arteta.
Arteta’s fingerprints are all over this Arsenal squad, and Calafiori was quick to crown the Spanish manager as the driving force behind the team’s ascent. “I’ve never met anyone so dedicated to his craft, so obsessed with constant improvement,” the defender said. “There isn’t a single training session where he doesn’t point out where I can get better. He refuses to settle; he always believes I can reach an even higher level.” That perfectionism has become the hallmark of an Arsenal side that has matured into a ruthless winning machine.
The Premier League success carries added weight given the club’s recent history of near-misses. For Calafiori, who arrived at the Emirates with a growing reputation but still something to prove, it represents a personal vindication. The title win also provided a welcome salve for the disappointment he experienced with the Italian national team, which failed to qualify for the upcoming World Cup. “March was a tough month between the national team and Arsenal,” he admitted. “But Heinze [Arteta’s assistant] told me something beautiful would happen. The first part came true, and we hope there’s more to come.”
The “more” is the Champions League final on May 30 in Budapest, where Arsenal face a star-studded PSG. “It still feels like a dream,” Calafiori confessed. “I never imagined I’d get this far, and now I hope to lift another trophy.” The prospect of a European double underscores the club’s transformation under Arteta, from perennial contenders to legitimate powerhouse capable of competing on multiple fronts.
Calafiori’s journey mirrors that of the team. The young center-back has developed into a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense, his tactical intelligence and ball-playing ability fitting seamlessly into Arteta’s system. His growth is a testament to the manager’s meticulous approach: no detail is too small, no session wasted. “He transmits that energy to all of us,” Calafiori noted. “It pushes you beyond your limits.”
The pain of missing the World Cup with Italy still lingers, but Calafiori channeled that frustration into his club performances. “It will be hard to watch the tournament,” he said, “but I’ve learned to turn setbacks into motivation.” The defender also allowed himself a moment of nostalgia, revealing his hope to face his boyhood club Roma in next season’s Champions League—a full-circle moment that would underscore his remarkable rise.
As Arsenal prepare for the biggest match in their recent history, the squad’s mindset reflects Arteta’s mantra: never be satisfied. Calafiori embodies that philosophy, already looking ahead to the next challenge even while celebrating the current one. His words paint a picture of a group that has completely bought into the project, with the manager’s obsession becoming their own.
The Champions League final will be the ultimate test, but with Calafiori anchoring the backline and Arteta orchestrating from the touchline, belief is sky-high. This is a team that has learned to thrive under pressure, and the Italian’s calm demeanor will be crucial against PSG’s potent attack. Whatever the outcome, the season has already etched Calafiori’s name into Arsenal folklore.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
