Newly announced Gunner Riccardo Calafiori has revealed that midfielder Jorginho played a part in convincing him to sign for the North London side. Speaking to the Arsenal media team, Calafiori explained that he had positive discussions with both Edu Gasper and Mikel Arteta over the summer and had more or less decided on joining the Gunners. Azzuri teammate Jorginho made sure that he didn’t have any second thoughts, constantly reaffirming that the defender was making the right choice by joining him at Arsenal.
Calafiori reveals Jorginho’s role in Arsenal move
🎥| AGENT JORGINHO 😎 🤝 #afc [@arsenal] pic.twitter.com/aEhjaw9NSz
— Arsenal Buzz (@ArsenalBuzzCom) July 29, 2024
“I spoke a lot with the coach and with Edu, and they convinced me, but I was already convinced by myself,” Riccardo explained. “I think it’s the best project for me for the next few years, and I think I will improve as a player.
“I just met [Jorginho] one month ago, but I can see that he’s a really good guy. I was already convinced but he forced me. He said: ‘come, come, come! You will enjoy being here, the team is amazing and the staff, everything is good.’ You can see that already from the first few minutes here.”
Calafiori’s ‘dream’ Arsenal move
Calafiori also expressed his delight at joining the Gunners, terming it a long life “dream” of his.
“It feels amazing. It was tough until now, but finally we’re here and I cannot wait to start to train with the team and play for the fans.
“It’s actually been my dream since I was 12 or 13 years old, because I can see the level of the league here and the best players in the world, for me, play here. It’s a dream and not only for me, but for everybody.”
Calafiori asked: What makes you so confident Arsenal was the right club for you?
“I have this good feeling. But I’m sure you’re gonna see on the pitch it was the right choice” #afc pic.twitter.com/PiZbTpVjcA
— Isaan Khan (@IsaanKhan_) July 29, 2024
The Italian defender is highly ambitious and is determined to make an impact on the team as the Gunners chase a first Premier League in over 20 years and perhaps more importantly, a first UEFA Champions League title in their history.
Calafiori said, “I came here to play so I will do everything to play and to give something to the team. I hope I can do that from the first few games.
“From my point of view, it’s just the start, the beginning of something bigger. I’m excited to start to play for Arsenal and to win trophies.”
