Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has openly discussed his significant challenges with London's notorious traffic, admitting he has chosen not to own a car since moving to the English capital. The Italian star, who joined from Bologna in the summer of 2024, finds the congestion overwhelming and struggles to acclimatise to the driving culture in England.
Traffic Troubles in the Big City
Calafiori, previously based in Italy where he lived in a smaller city, now faces lengthy commutes due to London's dense population and road networks. Arsenal's training ground is located near the M25 in London Colney, while the Emirates Stadium sits approximately 15 miles inside the London ring road, making travel times substantial.
In an interview on the Supernova podcast, Calafiori explained, "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. 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. Everyone has their ways."
Lifestyle Differences Among Teammates
The 22-year-old defender, who is single and without a family, prefers city living, unlike many of his Arsenal teammates who reside closer to the training ground with their families. This choice results in a commute of about 50 minutes to training, which he finds taxing. "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," he added.
Future Ambitions and Roma Return Hopes
Despite being part of Arsenal's squad, Calafiori has started just over half of their Premier League games this season, highlighting the intense competition for places. His transfer could eventually cost Arsenal up to £42 million if all add-ons are met, but he has already expressed a desire to return to Roma, where he began his career.
In a conversation with Corriere dello Sport, Calafiori stated, "I'd like to return to Roma sooner or later. We can't plan it, of course, but yes, I want to return." He made only 18 appearances for Roma before moving to Basel and later Bologna, seeking more playing time to advance his career.
Squad Depth and Player Movement
Arsenal's depth is often praised as a strength, but it also means that players like Calafiori may seek regular minutes elsewhere. His comments about Roma suggest he is keeping his options open for the future, potentially impacting his long-term stay at the Emirates.
As Calafiori navigates life in London and his football career, his traffic woes and ambitions for a Serie A comeback add an intriguing layer to his story at Arsenal.
