Arsenal’s historic Premier League glory: Calafiori’s emotional account of the celebrations

In a season that will forever be etched in Arsenal’s history, defender Riccardo Calafiori has opened up about the euphoric scenes that unfolded in the team’s dressing room following the club’s long-awaited Premier League title triumph.

The Italian international described the moment Manchester City’s crucial slip at Bournemouth triggered an outpouring of joy, ending a 22-year wait for domestic silverware.

From childhood dream to Premier League glory

Calafiori, who made 26 appearances during Arsenal’s remarkable campaign, shared his thoughts ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners secured the title on May 19 when Manchester City could only manage a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, before sealing the championship with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on the final day, finishing seven points clear of their closest rivals.

« Winning the Premier League was one of my childhood dreams, » Calafiori revealed. « The season’s journey made it even more incredible. The final whistle in the Bournemouth match was the most powerful moment of all. Everyone exploded with joy – players and staff hugging each other as if a huge weight had been lifted. We’d waited 22 years for this moment. Walking through London afterward, I truly understood what this victory meant to our supporters. »

Arteta’s leadership and the Italian’s adaptation

Reflecting on his seamless integration into English football under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, Calafiori admitted the challenge exceeded his expectations. « At the start of the season, I could sense the trust Arteta placed in me, » he explained. « I never expected to be in this position. I came here to step out of my comfort zone, and the Premier League’s intensity caught me by surprise. The workload is immense – we play around 60 matches annually, so recovery is crucial. Every game must be approached with peak physical condition. »

The Italian highlighted how Arteta’s patient tactical vision and the club’s long-term strategy created an environment where success became inevitable. « In Italy, clubs rarely give managers time to build a project, » he noted. « Here, Arsenal’s patience has been extraordinary. My own journey reflects this – I’d never spent two seasons at the same club before. When I arrived exhausted, I thought I’d never play here. The difference is in the mentality and preparation. »

A Champions League final with Italian pride

As the sole Italian representative in Saturday’s Champions League final in Budapest, Calafiori expressed his determination to bring honor to his country. « I’ll have the chance to wear my national colors and compete for the biggest club trophy in Europe, » he said. « Earlier this year, I was playing Champions League finals on PlayStation with my best friend Nicolo Cesaroni, who will be in the stadium to support me. Right now, I’m staying calm, but I know the magnitude will hit me when I board the plane. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – I must seize it. »