Calafiori was introduced as a substitute in the 64th minute, and the announcement was greeted with loud cheers from the supporters in attendance at the game.
Mikel Arteta admitted afterwards that he was glad to hear the reaction to Calafiori’s on-pitch arrival.
“I just love it,” Arteta said. “When the supporters react like that to one of our own it’s great. The way you feel it straight away, it’s love, he’s respected and they’re right behind you. That’s an unbelievable platform for many players to join our club.”
LONDON, ENGLAND: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal touches hands with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyonnais at the Emirates Stadium on August 11, 2024.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal touches hands with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyonnais at the Emirates Stadium on August 11, 2024.
The player himself also responded positively to the welcome, speaking after the game.
“Hi guys, thank you for the support today,” Calafiori said on Arsenal’s social media pages. “Felt amazing making my debut today and can’t wait to see you next week.”
Calafiori added on Instagram: “Thanks for the support and for the welcome, you made me feel at home guys. First of many!”
LONDON, ENGLAND: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal is challenged by Gift Orban of Olympique Lyonnais during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyonnais at Emirates Stadium on August 11, 2024.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal is challenged by Gift Orban of Olympique Lyonnais during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyonnais at Emirates Stadium on August 11, 2024.
Initially coming on for Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back, it looks as though Calafiori could be set to join Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, and Ben White in Arsenal’s back four this season.
Saliba also spoke to the Arsenal website after Calafiori’s debut, and his hopes for the 22-year-old’s season.
“Yeah, I’m so happy for him,” Saliba said. “I think it’s only the beginning, he’s a really good player, young as well. We’re so happy to have him with us and I hope he’ll have a really good season with us.”
Given Calafiori played less than 30 minutes of Arsenal’s pre-season fixtures, it seems unlikely he’ll start in the first game of the competitive campaign against Wolves on Saturday. Zinchenko is the more probable pick for that match.
But now that the Italy international has started to get involved in games, a full competitive debut can’t be far off.
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