Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori revealed Aleksandar Kolarov as his footballing idol, surprising many. Calafiori cited Kolarov’s influence during his time at Roma. He also acknowledged Italian defensive legends like Maldini and Nesta. Calafiori aims to emulate Kolarov’s Premier League success at Arsenal, drawing on the lessons learned from his mentor.
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has surprised many by revealing his footballing idol isn't a legendary Italian defender, but rather Aleksandar Kolarov, the former Manchester City and AS Roma full-back. This revelation came during an exclusive interview with VERSUS, where the Italy international discussed a range of topics, from his ambassadorial role with Adidas to his opinion on who has the best hair at Arsenal (Noni Madueke, apparently).
Calafiori's choice of Kolarov as an idol is particularly striking given the rich history of Italian defensive greats. Names like Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, and Giorgio Chiellini immediately come to mind when discussing the pinnacle of Italian defending. However, for Calafiori, Kolarov's influence was more direct and personal.
"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.” This firsthand experience with Kolarov clearly left a lasting impression on the young Calafiori, shaping his approach to the game.
While Kolarov was his primary influence, Calafiori acknowledged the importance of the Italian defensive legends. “Of course, defenders like Maldini, Nesta, Chiellini… those players are icons for me," he added, demonstrating an appreciation for the broader context of Italian football history.
Aleksandar Kolarov enjoyed a successful career, particularly during his time at Manchester City. The Serbian international was known for his powerful left foot, ability to strike free-kicks, and his no-nonsense defending. He won two Premier League titles with City, establishing himself as a reliable and consistent performer. His experience at AS Roma also provided him with valuable insight into the tactical nuances of Italian football.
Calafiori's admiration for Kolarov highlights the importance of mentorship and learning from experienced professionals. The opportunity to train alongside Kolarov at a young age allowed Calafiori to absorb valuable lessons about technique, mentality, and the small details that can make a big difference on the pitch. This influence has undoubtedly played a role in shaping Calafiori into the player he is today.
Since his £42 million move from Bologna last summer, Calafiori has settled in well at Arsenal. He spoke about the positive atmosphere within the squad, stating, “It’s special. 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.”
Arsenal fans will be hoping that Calafiori can emulate Kolarov's success in the Premier League. Kolarov's consistency and winning mentality were key attributes that helped Manchester City achieve significant success. If Calafiori can bring a similar level of performance to Arsenal, he could become a valuable asset for the club.
The young defender's journey is a testament to the impact that experienced players can have on the development of young talent. Kolarov's influence on Calafiori demonstrates the power of mentorship and the importance of learning from those who have already achieved success in the game. As Calafiori continues his career at Arsenal, he will undoubtedly draw upon the lessons he learned from his idol, Aleksandar Kolarov, as he strives to reach his full potential.