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Riccardo Calafiori reveals how he learnt English before he moved to London
Arsenal’s latest signing, Riccardo Calafiori, has shared the unconventional way he mastered English ahead of his £42 million transfer from Bologna this summer.
The young Italian defender, who has quickly become a fan favourite at the Emirates, opened up about his language-learning journey during an interview with BBC's Match of the Day.
Calafiori, 22, explained that his English proficiency primarily stemmed from watching TV shows on Netflix and immersing himself in UK Drill music. “I started maybe with Netflix and with the lyrics of songs, UK Drill,” he stated.
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This creative approach to learning the language has surprised many, especially given that Calafiori had never played in England before joining the Gunners.
His unique method reflects a growing trend among younger players who leverage popular culture as a tool for language acquisition.
By engaging with contemporary media, Calafiori was able to not only learn vocabulary and grammar but also grasp the cultural nuances embedded in the language. He expressed a desire to further improve his skills, saying, “Now I’m still learning; I want to have lessons, I want to improve a bit.”
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Calafiori’s commitment to becoming fluent in English highlights his determination to fully embrace his new life in London.
“I want to feel the whole experience. Become an English person,” he added, emphasizing the importance of integrating into both the team and the broader community.
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Since joining Arsenal, Calafiori has made a significant impact on the pitch, scoring his first goal in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Manchester City.
His performances have caught the eye of manager Mikel Arteta, who praised his energy and personality. “To have the first Premier League game in this context – chapeau. He’s got so much personality, so much energy. The quality that he has shown today, I was really impressed,” Arteta noted after the match.
Arsenal fans are excited to see how Calafiori will continue to develop, both as a player and in his ability to communicate effectively on and off the field.
His innovative approach to learning English could serve as an inspiration for other players making similar transitions in their careers.
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