Riccardo Calafiori, the Italian defender who recently joined Arsenal from Bologna, has quickly adapted to life in England, showcasing impressive English skills that he attributes to his unique learning methods. The 22-year-old has already made an impact on the pitch, notably scoring a stunning first goal for the club against Manchester City in the Premier League. His rapid acclimatization to both the language and the culture reflects his dedication to integrating into his new environment.
Calafiori’s journey to mastering English began years ago, primarily through engaging with popular media. He revealed that his initial exposure to the language came from watching shows on Netflix and listening to UK Drill music. The genre, which has its roots in South London, resonated with him and helped enhance his language skills while also providing insights into contemporary British culture. “I don’t know, since I was a kid. I started maybe with Netflix and with the lyrics of songs, UK Drill,” he shared in an interview with the BBC’s *Football Focus*. His determination to improve further is evident as he expresses interest in taking lessons to enhance his proficiency.
Aside from his linguistic endeavors, Calafiori is embracing the culinary aspects of British life, despite initially hearing negative reviews about the food. To his pleasant surprise, he has found British cuisine to be more enjoyable than expected. “I expected worse, to be honest. It’s not so bad. Fish and chips is not bad. Once per month you can eat this,” he remarked, illustrating his willingness to experience local traditions. His curiosity about British culture extends beyond food; he aims to fully immerse himself in the lifestyle, stating, “I want to feel the whole experience. Become an English person.”
Calafiori is also grappling with the nuances of British humor, particularly sarcasm. In a lighthearted comment about London’s weather, he quipped, “The weather is amazing, the main reason I came here!” This playful remark indicates his growing comfort with the language and culture, as well as his ability to engage with local humor.
On the field, Calafiori’s talent has not gone unnoticed. After his remarkable goal against Manchester City, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised him for his performance, stating, “He was great. 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.” This endorsement from Arteta speaks volumes about Calafiori’s potential and the promising start to his career at Arsenal.
As Calafiori continues to settle into his role at Arsenal, his unique approach to learning English and adapting to his new surroundings serves as an inspiring example for other international players. By leveraging modern tools like streaming platforms and music, he has demonstrated that language acquisition can be both enjoyable and effective. His openness to experiencing British culture and cuisine further highlights his commitment to making the most of his time in England.
In conclusion, Riccardo Calafiori’s journey from Bologna to Arsenal is marked by his determination to learn and adapt. His innovative methods of language learning, combined with his enthusiasm for embracing British culture, paint a picture of a young player eager to make his mark both on and off the pitch. As he continues to develop his skills and integrate into his new life, fans and teammates alike will be watching closely to see how he evolves as a player and a person in the vibrant footballing landscape of England.
