Calafiori explains Arsenal’s title parade call after Champions League final heartbreak
Riccardo Calafiori says Arsenal’s title parade became the right decision despite the squad returning from Hungary devastated by their Champions League final shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
What we know
- Arsenal clinched the 2025-26 Premier League after Manchester City failed to beat Bournemouth, with Mikel Arteta’s players watching the match together at the club’s training base.
- Calafiori, 24, said the championship was sealed on his birthday and described the celebrations as the finest day of his life.
- The Gunners then lost the Champions League final to PSG on penalties in Hungary, ending their bid for a domestic and European double.
- Players flew straight back to north London for an open-top bus celebration. Calafiori said several members of the group initially did not want to attend after the final defeat.
- He said the scale of the turnout changed the mood, with the squad recognising the Premier League success as an outstanding achievement despite the European disappointment.
- Calafiori has begun his third Arsenal campaign with his first home goal for the club and his first senior Italy goal.
What happens next
Arsenal now move into their Premier League title defence while again targeting Champions League glory. Calafiori’s versatility and growing impact will be important as Arteta’s side compete on several fronts.
The defender also pointed to an early school-tournament win in Rome as a formative moment. While in Roma’s academy at 13 or 14, he played for his school in a city-wide competition and helped an unfancied mixed team, including one girl, win the final.
