Riccardo Calafiori, the 22-year-old Arsenal and Italy defender, has a tattoo on his arm that reads “never give up.”
This phrase holds significant meaning for him, serving as a constant reminder of the tough journey he faced when his football career was nearly cut short before it even began.
At the age of 16, while playing for AS Roma in a UEFA Youth League match, Calafiori suffered a horrific knee injury.
He tore all the ligaments in one knee, an injury so severe that it left him wondering if he would ever be able to walk properly again, let alone continue his career in football.
Reflecting on that moment, Calafiori shared that the experience deeply affected him: “This was my first tattoo, and it was for this reason. It was incredibly tough.
At 16, I suddenly thought I might never play football again.”
Despite the immense physical and emotional challenges, Calafiori showed remarkable resilience and fought his way back to full fitness.
His determination paid off when, in the summer of 2023, he realized his dream of playing in the Premier League by signing with Arsenal in a £42 million deal.
His journey to recovery is one that shaped not only his career but also his character.
In an upcoming episode of *Football Focus*, Calafiori sits down with presenter Ronan Kemp to share his experiences of moving to Arsenal and adjusting to life in England.
Among other things, he talks about learning English through Netflix shows and UK drill music, as well as offering his take on the classic British dish, fish and chips.
Looking back on his road to recovery, Calafiori acknowledges that the injury, though painful and difficult, ultimately contributed to his growth as both a player and a person.
“You learn to appreciate the little things and mature as a person,” he said. “It helped me grow as a player.
In the first month after returning, I tackled every challenge fearlessly.”
His injury forced him to adopt a fearless attitude on the pitch, driving him to embrace every opportunity to improve and compete at the highest level.
Throughout his recovery, Calafiori received unwavering support from Roma and Italy legend Daniele de Rossi.
Not only did De Rossi visit him regularly, but he also personally drove him to physiotherapy sessions.
For Calafiori, De Rossi was more than just a player he admired as a child; he became a close friend and mentor, helping guide Calafiori’s career decisions.
Their friendship grew stronger over the years, and Calafiori continues to seek De Rossi’s advice on important matters.
“He’s one of my friends, and I always consult him about my major decisions.
He offers great advice,” Calafiori shared.
When it came time to decide on joining Arsenal, De Rossi was once again there to provide guidance.
“I talked to him about joining Arsenal, and he said, ‘This is one of the biggest opportunities for you to improve as a player.’”
Calafiori’s story is one of resilience, determination, and growth.
His ability to overcome adversity at such a young age has shaped his approach to football and life.
Now playing in the Premier League for Arsenal, he continues to evolve, taking every challenge in stride as he aims to make his mark on the biggest stage in world football.
