Riccardo Calafiori, a 22-year-old defender for Arsenal and Italy, bears a tattoo on his arm that reads “never give up,” a phrase that holds deep personal significance for him. It serves as a constant reminder of the traumatic knee injury he suffered at just 16 years old while playing for AS Roma in a UEFA Youth League match. The injury was severe—Calafiori tore all the ligaments in his knee—leaving him in fear that he might never be able to walk properly again, let alone pursue his football career.
“This was my first tattoo, and I got it because of that experience,” Calafiori revealed. “It was an incredibly difficult time. At 16, I suddenly faced the possibility that I might never play football again.” Despite the bleak outlook, Calafiori defied the odds and made a stunning recovery. His determination and hard work culminated in a major achievement this past summer when he signed with Premier League giants Arsenal for a transfer fee of £42 million.
In a forthcoming episode of *Football Focus*, Calafiori sits down with presenter Ronan Kemp to discuss how the move to Arsenal came about, his unique journey of learning English through Netflix and UK drill music, and his thoughts on British culture, including the classic dish, fish and chips.
Reflecting on his injury and recovery, Calafiori admits that while the experience was painful and challenging, it ultimately shaped him into the person and player he is today. “You learn to appreciate the little things and mature as a person,” he said. “The injury helped me grow, not only as a player but also as a person. When I first returned to the pitch, I approached every challenge without fear, ready to prove myself.”
Throughout his recovery, Calafiori received invaluable support from Roma and Italy legend Daniele De Rossi. De Rossi, someone Calafiori had idolized as a child, regularly visited him during his rehabilitation and even drove him to physiotherapy sessions. The two developed a strong friendship, and De Rossi has since become a key mentor in Calafiori’s life.
“He’s one of my closest friends, and I always turn to him when making important career decisions. His advice is always spot on,” Calafiori said. De Rossi also played a pivotal role in Calafiori’s decision to join Arsenal. “I spoke to him about the Arsenal move, and he told me, ‘This is one of the biggest opportunities for you to grow as a player.’”
Ultimately, Calafiori credits his difficult journey with teaching him resilience and shaping his football career.
