Arsenal Defender Riccardo Calafiori Voices Frustration Over London's Congested Roads
Riccardo Calafiori, the Italian defender who has been making waves at Arsenal this season, finds himself in an unexpected battle off the pitch: London's infamous traffic jams. Despite his rapid rise in football, Calafiori admits that the capital's congested streets are a major annoyance that affects his daily life.
No Car, No Problem: Calafiori's Unconventional Commute
In a revealing interview on the Supernova podcast, Calafiori disclosed that he doesn't own a car in London, a surprising choice for a Premier League footballer. 'I don't drive, but I get around with a driver. I prefer not to drive here. I don't have a car, but I can drive,' he explained. His decision stems from his frustration with London's driving culture. 'I don't like how they drive here. They follow the rules too much and are a bit slow. Sometimes you see these big traffic jams for no reason. Unfortunately, that's just how it is here.'
Calafiori's commute to Arsenal's training ground takes about 50 minutes, as he lives further away from his teammates in the city centre. 'I live quite far away from my teammates; nobody lives where I live. It's a London thing. Most of them have families and kids and live in houses near the training ground. I'm younger, and on my own, so I prefer living in the city.' This choice highlights his preference for urban life despite the logistical challenges.
London's Traffic Woes: A Global Issue
Calafiori's complaints are backed by hard data. London has been ranked as the world's worst megacity for traffic for three consecutive years, with average speeds barely exceeding 10 miles per hour. A report released by TomTom in January 2024 showed that a typical six-mile trip in the city averages 35 minutes and seven seconds. This congestion has become a defining feature of life in the capital, affecting residents and visitors alike.
Unlike other foreign players who often criticise the weather or cuisine, Calafiori singles out traffic as his primary grievance. His perspective offers a unique insight into the daily realities faced by international athletes adapting to life in one of the world's busiest cities.
Arsenal's Quadruple Ambitions and Calafiori's Adaptation
On the pitch, Calafiori has been a regular fixture for Arsenal since joining from Bologna in 2024. The 23-year-old defender is part of a squad that could achieve an unprecedented quadruple this season. Arsenal currently lead the Premier League by five points over Manchester City, though they have played one more game. This month, they face crucial matches against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last 16, Mansfield in the FA Cup Fifth Round, and Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.
Calafiori remains optimistic about Arsenal's chances. 'Ever since the gaffer has been there, we've always been there or thereabouts, often finishing second by a hair, but I think there's been improvement every year. I hope this is the decisive year,' he said. He also noted the differences in football culture between Italy and England. 'Obviously, the culture is completely different. Like, if I think about Italy, training sessions are two hours, the tactics it's all different. Football is more tactical in Italy, and here they think more about attacking.'
Life in English Football: Surprises and Adjustments
Calafiori is still adjusting to various aspects of English football. He mentioned that pre-match routines differ significantly from what he experienced in Italy. 'You arrive, have dinner, then everyone either goes to their rooms or you hang out with your teammates and play a few games. And then you go to the game. Like I was saying earlier, something that really surprised me is that the stadiums are empty during the warm-ups.' This observation highlights the cultural nuances that international players must navigate.
Despite the traffic frustrations, Calafiori's focus remains firmly on Arsenal's success. His candid comments about London's congestion shed light on the less glamorous side of life as a top footballer, while his performances on the field continue to impress fans and pundits alike. As Arsenal push for multiple trophies, Calafiori's adaptation to both English football and London life will be crucial to their ambitions.
