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 gianlucadimarzio.com. 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."