Arsenal fans hail new £42m signing Calafiori as ‘proper Gooner right there’ after spotting first words to boss Arteta

ARSENAL'S new £42million defender Riccardo Calafiori took just a few words to win over fans OFF the pitch.

Emirates' boss Mikel Arteta unveiled the Italian Euro 2024 star to his Gunners' team-mates at a Monday meeting.

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Arsenal posted a clip of Arteta introducing the club's objectives for the coming week.

And the Spaniard opened up by welcoming the ex-Bologna hero.

Calafiori was given a rousing round of applause from the Gunners' players.

And when Arteta asked if he wanted to say a few words, the 22-year-old gave a bashful smile and stood up to deliver his seven-second response.

Viewers loved the five-cap ace being heard to say: "Is it real?"

Calafiori then got up to add: "Of course I'm really happy to be here. I waited a lot.

"I hope we are going to do something great this year.

"Just this. Thank you."

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That was enough for one viewer to say: "Proper Gooner right there."

Another wrote: "We have a new family member."

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And a third fan responded: "Welcome to the mighty Arsenal, mini Maldini" - a reference to all-time great Azzurri defender Paolo Maldini.

Calafiori has signed a five-year contract at the Emirates following a transfer saga that dragged on following the Euros.

Arteta is a big fan of the former Basel star's versatility - as he can play at left-back as well as in central defence.

The manager hailed him as a "great signing" - adding: “Riccardo is a big personality and character, with specific skills which will make us stronger as we push to win major trophies."

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