ARSENAL’s new £42million defender Riccardo Calafiori needed just a few words to win over fans.
Emirates manager Mikel Arteta revealed the Italian Euro 2024 star to his Gunners teammates in a meeting on Monday.
Arsenal posted a clip of Arteta laying out the club’s goals for next week.
And the Spaniard opened by welcoming the former Bologna hero.
Calafiori drew loud applause from the Gunners players.
And when Arteta asked if he wanted to say a few words, viewers loved hearing the five-cap ace say: “Is it real?”
The 22-year-old gave a shy smile as he stood up to complete his brief but brilliantly received response.
Calafiori added: “Of course I am very happy to be here. I waited a long time.
“I hope we do something big this year.
“That’s all. Thank you.”
It was enough for one viewer to say, “Good Gooner right there.”
Another wrote: “We have a new member of the family.”
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And a third fan responded: “Welcome to the mighty Arsenal, mini Maldini” – a reference to the Azzurri’s all-time great defender Paolo Maldini.
Calafiori signed a five-year contract at the Emirates after a transfer saga that dragged on after the Euros.
Arteta is a big fan of the former Basel star’s versatility, as he can play both at left-back and in central defense.
The manager hailed him as a “great signing” – adding: “Riccardo is a great personality and character, with specific skills that will make us stronger as we strive to win important trophies.”
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