This week, Caio, while participating in pre-season preparations, gave an exclusive interview to The Athletic, discussing his feelings about joining Chelsea and his expectations for the future.
You performed well during your loan spell at Cagliari, and Zola was also born there. Did you ask him anything about Chelsea?
"I didn't call him for advice about joining Chelsea, but I know Zola played for Cagliari and Chelsea—he is a legend. Maybe I can achieve the same success as he did at Chelsea. I hope I can become a legend like him at Chelsea."
"Cagliari completely changed my life. I joined them and three days later I was in the starting lineup. Coach Pisacane gave me great confidence and trust. My teammates were the same—they trusted me more and more with every game. The fans were amazing, simply incredible."
"I spoke with Zappacosta after joining Chelsea. He always told me all the good things about Chelsea. I played with him—he's a great person. I know many Italian players have played for Chelsea, and I want to be the next top player."
Last season, you were crowned Serie A Defender of the Year.
"At the beginning of the season, I couldn't imagine winning the Serie A Defender of the Year award. Becoming the best defender is a great honor, but I know this is just the beginning. I need to improve every day. Now I hope to become the best defender in the Premier League. Maybe it's difficult, but I said the same thing at the beginning of last season."
"I will do my best. My greatest desire is to win for Chelsea. The team always comes first. If I win the Defender of the Year award or people talk about me at the end of the season, I will be happy, but I prefer to win honors for Chelsea rather than for myself."
Your speed was not innate; at 15, you were still playing midfield in the Atalanta academy.
"I remember I used to be the slowest on the team, but after about a year or two, my body matured and my position changed. I used to play midfield, then switched to left-back or right-back. I realized I had become very fast, which was incredible."
What is your impression of Xabi Alonso?
"I like Xabi Alonso's style of football. All my Chelsea teammates like his style—it's a really good approach. I'm happy to train and play in the early season matches with Xabi Alonso and my teammates. I think we can have a good season."
"He told me his expectations, his ideas, and other things before I joined the team—not just about football. We had a great conversation about many aspects, so I am very satisfied with that."
At right-back, you will be competing with Reece James.
"When I joined Chelsea, he wrote to me, and it was a very nice message. He said he was happy I joined Chelsea and encouraged me to reach out to him anytime for advice about London and Cobham."
"After the World Cup, he came to the Cobham training ground one day, and I greeted him. I know he is a very good person and a very good captain, so I'm very much looking forward to playing with him."
This summer, as Italy did not qualify for the World Cup, you did not participate in the tournament.
"The Italian team is indeed not at its best right now. Coming to the Premier League is a good opportunity because it's the best league in the world. I can prove myself here. I and all the players who play for the Italian national team in the Premier League can help Italy qualify for the World Cup and win honors."
"Italy is one of the countries with the longest football history, and I believe that if we can start playing with a good mentality—a pure mentality, because that's important—we can win the World Cup and the European Championship."
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