Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori reveals unlikely footballing idol

Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori has revealed an unexpected footballing idol – and it’s not who many would have guessed.

In a recent exclusive interview with VERSUS, the Italy international spoke candidly about everything from his role as an ambassador for adidas’ underwear line, to who he thinks has the best hair at Arsenal (Noni Madueke, for the record).

But it was his footballing idol that really caught attention.

While most would assume he looked up to 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 at Roma, I was lucky to train with the first team,” Calafiori explained. “I got to learn directly from Aleksandar Kolarov, who played my position. He was someone I could watch every day – his technique, his mentality – and he gave me advice and small details I still keep with me today.”

Although Kolarov was his main influence, Calafiori did mention the classic icons of Italian defending. “Of course, defenders like Maldini, Nesta, Chiellini… those players are icons for me,” he added.

Calafiori says Aleksandar Kolarov his is idol. | Paolo Bruno/GettyImages

Elsewhere in the interview, the 23-year-old spoke about life at Arsenal since his £42m summer move from Bologna last summer.

“It’s special,” he said. “Everyone’s a good guy, we’re friends, and I feel really comfortable here. Last season wasn’t easy, but I came back this summer with a fire inside me. I couldn’t wait to start again. Playing in the Premier League is the dream for 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 win two Premier League titles. Now, Calafiori will undoubtedly be hoping to replicate his idol’s success at Arsenal.