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Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori has revealed an unexpected footballing idol – and it’s not the one many would have guessed.
In a recent exclusive interview with AGAINSTthe Italy international spoke candidly about everything from his role as ambassador for the adidas underwear line to who he thinks has the best hair in Arsenal (Noni Madueke, for the record).
But it was his footballing idol who really got the attention.
While most would assume he admired legendary Italian defenders like Paolo Maldini or Alessandro Nesta, Calafiori revealed his inspiration came from a more surprising source: Aleksandar Kolarov, the former Manchester City and AS Roma full-back.
“When I was younger in Rome, I had the chance to train with the first team,” Calafiori explained. “I learned directly from Aleksandar Kolarov, who played in my position. He was someone I could observe every day – his technique, his mentality – and he gave me advice and little details that I still remember 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 at Arsenal since his £42million summer move from Bologna last summer.
“It’s special,” he said. “Everyone is good guys, we’re friends and I feel really comfortable here. Last season wasn’t easy, but I came back this summer with a fire in me. I couldn’t wait to get going again. Playing in the Premier League is the dream of so many players, so now I just want to enjoy it and show what I can do consistently.”
Kolarov was a pillar of consistency at Manchester City, helping the club to two Premier League titles. Now Calafiori will no doubt be hoping to replicate his idol’s success at Arsenal.
