Italy international Riccardo Calafiori insisted critics of Arsenal relish talking about the club after the Gunners delivered a much-needed response with a 1-0 UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg win over Sporting CP in Lisbon on Tuesday.
Arsenal, having suffered back-to-back setbacks with defeats in the Carabao Cup final and a shock FA Cup exit, had questions raised over their form heading into the quarter-final encounter. A late stoppage-time goal from substitute Kai Havertz ultimately secured the victory, giving Mikel Arteta’s side a narrow advantage before the return leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Calafiori, who started in *ARSENAL*’s defence at left-back, acknowledged the ongoing chatter but stressed it hasn’t altered his focus or belief
“Last couple of weeks, I would say, have been tough but that is the beauty of football,” he said. “It is 100 per cent better now.
“This chance to play three days later rather than just stay home and think about it. Of course I’m really disappointed but I’ve got a lot to play for with Arsenal and I’m really enjoying it.”
“To win is the best way to get back on track,” he added. “That was a clear demonstration of our identity, which maybe we lost a little bit in the last couple of games.
“But we came back as I like, I recognise my team again, you know. It’s a nice game to come back, and now we can enjoy it, but we are already thinking about Saturday. We are happy.
“Every game is – hopefully – really important now until the end of April and also hopefully the end of May. “It’s a completely different game. We will play at our stadium, our home, we know how to play in the Premier League, and now we must rest and then think about Saturday again.”
Manager Mikel Arteta has urged his players to use the Sporting win as a springboard after a difficult fortnight, stressing the importance of perspective and resilience. Midfielder Havertz echoed that sentiment, describing the victory as a morale booster and reaffirming Arsenal’s title ambitions this season.
For Calafiori, the focus remains singular: responding to critics through performances on the pitch rather than words off it. In the modern game, especially at a club of Arsenal’s stature, external voices are inevitable — but according to the Italy defender, they serve as motivation rather than distraction.
ARSENAL now prepare for the return leg in London next Wednesday, with the Italian keen to maintain his place and continue contributing to the club’s deep Champions League campaign.
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