Riccardo Calafiori Reveals What Mikel Arteta Did That Made Him Want To Join Arsenal

Riccardo Calafiori has opened up about why he decided to join Arsenal, revealing that Mikel Arteta’s personal approach played a big role in his decision. The Italian defender was deeply moved by how much Arteta and the club genuinely cared about him—not just as a player, but as a person.

Since arriving at the Emirates, Calafiori has already started making an impact, but his journey to Arsenal wasn’t just about football. It was about finding a place where he felt truly valued. And according to him, Arteta made sure he felt that way even before he signed the contract.

One of the first things that stood out to Calafiori about Arsenal was how well the club was organized. He was impressed by how much the club cared for its players, both on and off the pitch.

“The first thing that comes to mind is the organisation. How much Arsenal care about each player from every point of view, both on the pitch and especially off the pitch,” Calafiori shared.

Unlike some clubs where players are treated strictly as professionals, Arsenal creates an environment where players feel like part of a family. For Calafiori, this was an important factor in his decision-making.

While Arsenal’s structure was impressive, what truly convinced Calafiori was Mikel Arteta’s unique approach. The young defender revealed a touching moment that had a lasting impact on him.

“As for Arteta, I was immediately struck by how much he cared about getting to know me. One day on the phone, he sent me some photos of my family and asked me to say what each member of the family meant to me.”

This small yet deeply personal gesture took Calafiori by surprise. He admitted that nothing like this had ever happened to him before. Managers usually focus on tactics, training, and performances, but Arteta took an entirely different approach. He wanted to understand Calafiori on a personal level.

“I’m not saying that he convinced me with this alone, but it certainly represented an important moment,” Calafiori added.

It’s clear that Arteta wanted to build a genuine connection with the player, making him feel comfortable and valued before even stepping onto the pitch.

Arteta’s personal touch has created a strong bond between him and Calafiori. This connection was evident when Calafiori scored his first goal for Arsenal—his immediate reaction was to run straight to his manager.

This was more than simply a celebration; it was an expression of trust and respect. It showed how much Arteta’s support meant to him.

In today’s football world, where transfers are largely influenced by money and statistics, Arteta’s approach to managing players is unique. He doesn’t just look at their skills; he focuses on their personalities, their emotions, and their overall well-being.

This strategy has already proven successful for Arsenal. Many of their signings, like Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus, have praised Arteta’s influence. Calafiori is another example of Arteta’s leadership approach recruiting great players to the organization.

By making his players feel at home, Arteta gets the best out of them on the pitch. He ensures that every player feels important, which, in turn, boosts their confidence and performance.

With Calafiori settling in at Arsenal, the Gunners have added yet another promising defender to their squad.