Riccardo Calafiori Opens Up on Traffic Chaos, Team Life and Arsenal’s Quadruple Dream
Arsenal F.C. defender Riccardo Calafiori may be thriving on the pitch, but off it, life in London has forced him into a surprising decision — he doesn’t own a car.
The 23-year-old Italian international, who joined the Gunners from Bologna FC 1909 in 2024, has cited the capital’s infamous congestion as his biggest frustration since moving to England. While teammates cruise around in luxury motors, Calafiori prefers to sit back and let a driver handle the gridlock.
“I Don’t Have a Car” – Calafiori’s Traffic Frustration Explained
Speaking on the Supernova podcast, Calafiori didn’t hold back about his struggles adapting to London roads.
‘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.’
Despite earning Premier League wages, the Italian defender has opted out of car ownership entirely — a rarity among top-flight footballers.
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London Traffic Ranked Among World’s Worst
Calafiori’s complaints aren’t without merit. London has repeatedly ranked as the world’s most congested megacity, with average speeds barely exceeding 10mph in central areas.
According to data released by TomTom in January, a six-mile journey in the capital takes an average of 35 minutes and seven seconds — a statistic that underlines why Calafiori prefers not to get behind the wheel.
For foreign players adapting to English football, weather and food are often common grievances. For Calafiori, it’s the chockablock roads that top the list.
Living Far from Teammates: A Different Arsenal Routine
Unlike many of his teammates, Calafiori has chosen city life over suburban comfort.
‘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.
‘Normally, we check in by 9.15. It takes about 50 minutes to get there.’
While senior players prioritise proximity to the training ground, Calafiori prefers the buzz of central London — even if it means a near-hour commute.
Arsenal’s Quadruple Dream Still Alive
Off the road, things are moving quickly for Arsenal.
Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners are chasing silverware on multiple fronts. They currently lead the Premier League by five points ahead of Manchester City F.C., albeit having played a game more.
Arsenal also face Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League last 16, take on Mansfield Town F.C. in the FA Cup Fifth Round, and meet City again in the EFL Cup final.
Calafiori believes this season could finally deliver major honours.
‘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.’
Adjusting to English Football Culture
The defender is also adapting to the Premier League’s distinct playing style.
‘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,’
He also revealed one surprising detail about matchday atmosphere:
‘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.’
Why Calafiori’s Comments Matter for Arsenal Fans
For supporters, Calafiori’s candid interview offers a rare glimpse into life behind the scenes at Arsenal. It highlights:
- The lifestyle adjustments foreign players face in London
- The cultural differences between Serie A and the Premier League
- Arsenal’s evolving mentality under Arteta
- The growing belief inside the squad that this could be a title-winning season
Riccardo Calafiori Opens Up on Traffic Chaos, Team Life and Arsenal’s Quadruple Dream