Arsenal’s Ricardo Calafiore has revealed an unexpected football icon – and who many didn’t expect to be.
In a recent exclusive interview relativelyThe Italy international spoke candidly about everything from his role as an ambassador for the Adidas underwear range to the man he thinks has the best hair at Arsenal (Noni Maduk, for the record).
But it was his football idols who really caught the attention.
While most people assume he idolizes legendary Italian defenders like Paolo Maldini or Alessandro Nesta, Calafiore revealed that his inspiration comes from a more surprising source: former Manchester City and Roma defender Alexander Kolarov.
“When I was young at Roma, I was lucky enough to train with the first team,” Calafiore explained. “I learned directly from Alexander 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.”
Although Kolarov is his main influence, Calafiore did mention a classic hallmark of the Italian defence. “Of course, defenders like Maldini, Nesta, Chiellini… these players are my idols,” he added.
Elsewhere in the interview, the 23-year-old discussed life since joining Arsenal from Bologna last summer for £42m.
“It’s special,” he said. “Everyone is good people, we are friends and I feel very comfortable here. Last season was not easy but I came back this summer with a fire inside me. I can’t wait to start again. Playing in the Premier League is a dream for a lot of players, so now I just want to enjoy it and show what I can do consistently.”
Kolarov was a pillar of stability for Manchester City, helping the club win two Premier League titles. Now Calafio will no doubt be hoping to replicate his idol’s success at Arsenal.
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