Calafiori’s dream realized — The 26-year-old defender reflected on the magnitude of Arsenal’s historic achievement, just days before facing Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. Officially crowned champions on May 19 following Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, Calafiori lifted the trophy after a decisive 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on the final matchday, securing a seven-point lead over their closest rivals.
From shock to celebration: the defining moment
The defender recalled the exact instant the team, under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, realized they had crossed the finish line. In an exclusive interview, he shared: « Winning the Premier League was a childhood dream. It felt surreal, especially given the season’s challenges.
The most unforgettable moment? The final whistle at Bournemouth. The entire team erupted in joy—players and staff hugged, overwhelmed by relief. This title had eluded us for 22 years. Walking through London afterward, I truly grasped how much this meant to the fans and the city.
Adapting to the Premier League’s relentless pace
Calafiori also reflected on his rapid integration into English football under Arteta’s leadership. « Early in the season, I noticed the trust he placed in me. I never expected it. I came here to push my limits, and the adjustment wasn’t easy—the Premier League is brutal. But I’d encourage young Italians to try it.
Arteta’s tactical brilliance praised
The Italian praised Arsenal’s exceptional team cohesion, attributing it to the club’s patient, long-term strategy and meticulous workload management. Since Arteta’s appointment in 2019, the club had settled for runner-up finishes before finally clinching the title. Comparing Serie A to the Premier League, Calafiori noted: « In Italy, firing a coach after a few bad results is unthinkable.
The harmony at Arsenal stems from Arteta’s vision and the club’s patience—even I, who’d never played two seasons at the same club, questioned my future initially. The weekly calendar here is overwhelming: 60 matches a year demand a recovery-focused approach. It’s all about mindset.
A Champions League final with Italian pride
As the sole Italian representative in Saturday’s Champions League final against PSG, Calafiori faces a historic opportunity: « I’ll wear the Azzurri’s colors with pride, chasing a trophy we missed in the World Cup qualifiers.
« I used to play Champions League finals on PlayStation with my childhood friend Nicolo Cesaroni—he’ll be in the stands. I’m calm now, but I’ll probably feel it when I board the plane. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance; you have to seize it.