Latest news with #Calafiori
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Calafiori injury update after Arsenal defender misses final game
After being pushed ahead of schedule to return, Calafiori is handed a break to prepare properly for next season. Photo byRiccardo Calafiori was conspicuously absent from Arsenal's matchday squad for the final game of the Premier League season at Southampton, with Mikel Arteta confirming after the 2–1 win that the club had opted to give the Italian defender a much-needed rest following his accelerated return from injury. Advertisement The 232-year-old has endured a stop-start debut campaign in north London since arriving from Bologna last summer for €45m. Despite showing considerable promise during his 29 appearances, a succession of injuries have disrupted his rhythm, with the latest setback, a knee problem sustained on international duty, sidelining him for nearly 50 days. Photo by'We pushed Richy a lot to make sure that he was fit for the last few games and he was two, three weeks ahead of schedule in his injury,' said Arteta in his post-match press conference. 'He's been constantly dragged into areas where he was really, really stretched and he wasn't comfortable the last week or two. With a lot of things, he still wanted to carry on but we decided to give him a break. Advertisement 'He needs a rest, he needs to now make sure that he has proper preparation, a clear pre-season and give him the best chance to have a successful season next season.' Photo byAcross all competitions, Calafiori has played 1,497 minutes for the Gunners, scoring three goals and assisting twice. His absence from the Southampton squad brings to a close a season in which he missed 26 matches for club and country due to three separate knee injuries, an undefined muscular issue and a calf strain. Though he has picked up seven yellow cards, he has nonetheless impressed when he's been on the pitch, both defensively and in his chaotic attacking contributions.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Arsenal: Mikel Arteta explains Riccardo Calafiori absence against Southampton and reveals pre-season hope
Mikel Arteta believes Riccardo Calafiori needs to have a 'clear pre-season' so he can shine for Arsenal next year. Calafiori rounded off an injury-hit debut campaign by missing Arsenal's final game of the season at Southampton. The Italian was struggling for fitness in the build-up to the game, which the Gunners won 2-1, and Arteta after revealed the club decided not to risk him. Calafiori, who joined Arsenal last summer for around £40million from Bologna, has had five spells out injured this season and he has been absent for over 100 days. Arteta hopes the defender can recover now and use pre-season to get fit and firing for the next campaign. 'We pushed Ricci a lot to make sure that he was fit for the last few games and he was two, three weeks ahead of schedule in his injury,' said Arteta. 'He's been constantly dragged into areas where he was really, really stretched and he wasn't comfortable the last week or two with a lot of things. 'Yes, they (Calafiori and Jurrien Timber) wanted to carry on - but we decided to give him (Calafiori) a break. He needs a rest. 'He needs to now make sure that he has a proper preparation, a clear pre-season to give him the best chance to have a successful season next season.'
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Riccardo Calafiori's six-word response to Arsenal exit rumours says it all
Riccardo Calafiori has been linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer and the Italy international has now spoken out about his future, insisting he is "very happy" at the Emirates Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has delivered a clear response to rumours linking him with a move away from the Emirates. Calafiori joined Arsenal from Bologna last summer, but struggled with injury problems throughout his first season at the club. Reports from Italy have claimed that Arsenal are open to selling the 23-year-old and the likes of AC Milan and Juventus are interested in bringing him back to Serie A. However, Calafiori has now moved to shut down the transfer rumours. "I am very happy at Arsenal," he insisted in an interview with Calafiori also said he has no regrets about his move to north London, adding: "For me personally it was a great experience. "Obviously when you win trophies it's always better. Here I measured myself against the most important and difficult championship in the world. "I saw that I can be there easily, this made me very happy and I am convinced of the choice I made. A regret? None, absolutely. "I always feel good in every position I play, I try to help the team. In my opinion, what was missing was just continuity this year. I will try to be more consistent next year. "When I was good, I always played and I also made the difference. The goal is just to stay in shape all year." Calafiori has previously admitted that he did not find it easy adapting to life at Arsenal, telling Men in Blazers back in January: "I was really excited to join because Mikel showed me his ideas and the plans he had for me. "I couldn't wait to play for him. I think it was the right option for me to develop and improve, to become a top player. That's why I am here and I want to keep going. "It's the details, it's something I've never seen before in a coach. Nothing is casual with him. When I first came here, it was impossible to play because you had so much information to remember. "For sure, you need a month to get used to it. One of my skillsets is my intensity and my mental strength. I don't mind playing left-back or centre back and I want to play on a midfielder if I can. "It depends on the team and the ideas of the coach. For example, Mikel wants me to stay inside so I play as a centre back."
Metro
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori responds to shock AC Milan transfer links
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has issued a response to rumours that he could be set for a shock transfer move to Serie A side AC Milan. Calafiori joined Arsenal on a long-term contract less than 12 months ago in July 2024, with the Gunners signing him in a £42m deal from Bologna. The 23-year-old has played 29 games for Arsenal in his first season at the club but concerns have been raised over his fitness and injury record. Calafiori has missed a number of matches due to a knee issue while he also suffered a muscle injury and calf problems earlier this season. He has now been linked with a stunning return to the Italian top-flight with AC Milan reported to be interested in signing Calafiori from Arsenal. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. But the Italy international has insisted he is not thinking about a potential early exit from the Emirates and wants to remain in the Premier League. Speaking to about the AC Milan transfer rumours, Calafiori said: 'I am very happy at Arsenal.' Calafiori has also played down talk of his Arsenal move being a 'regret' after the club's trophyless season and has opened up about his injuries. 'In my opinion, what was missing was just continuity this year,' Calafiori added. 'I will try to be more consistent next year. When I was good, I always played and I also made the difference. The goal is just to stay in shape all year. 'For me personally, [my first season in England] was a great experience. Obviously when you win trophies it's always better. 'Here I measured myself against the most important and difficult championship in the world. 'I saw that I can be there easily, this made me very happy and I am convinced of the choice I made. A regret? None, absolutely.' Speaking earlier this season, Lukas Podolski said that Calafiori had to 'improve' and that he had not yet reached his best level at Arsenal. More Trending Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, though, has always spoken highly of the Italian and his qualities. Speaking after the 1-0 Premier League win over Wolves in January, in which Calafiori scored the only goal, Arteta singled him out for praise. 'Riccy can produce these magic moments,' Arteta said. 'It really helped the team so [I am] really glad. He has the experience to make things happen.' MORE: Rio Ferdinand names four players Manchester United should never have sold MORE: Man Utd legend Patrice Evra to miss Europa League final after death of sister MORE: When Man Utd last beat Tottenham as Spurs boast impressive recent record
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Riccardo Calafiori has no 'regret' over Arsenal transfer after frustrating injury issues
Riccardo Calafiori has no regrets over his move to Arsenal last summer and is hoping to shine next season by putting his injury woes behind him. Calafiori joined the Gunners last year from Bologna as part of a deal worth in the region of £40million. The defender, however, has endured a disrupted first season in north London due to fitness issues. Calafiori has had five different spells out of the team because of injury and he has started just six games since the turn of the year, with Myles Lewis-Skelly becoming Arsenal's No1 left-back. But, speaking after Sunday's win over Newcastle, the Italian told 'I am very happy at Arsenal. 'For me personally, it (this first season with Arsenal) was a great experience. Obviously when you win trophies it's always better. 'Here I measured myself against the most important and difficult championship in the world. I saw that I can be there easily, this made me very happy and I am convinced of the choice I made. A regret? None, absolutely. 'I always feel good in every position I play, I try to help the team. In my opinion, what was missing was just continuity this year. 'I will try to be more consistent next year. When I was good, I always played and I also made the difference. The goal is just to stay in shape all year.'
