Tour blog: Calafiori arrives just before we depart | News

Since touching down in Philadelphia on Sunday night, it’s been all-systems-go as we head towards the conclusion of the tour - especially for Riccardo Calafiori.

As I sat watching him and Jorginho joking around filming with Frimmy on Monday afternoon at Philadelphia Union’s Subaru Park home, I couldn’t help but think what the past 48 hours had been like for him.

Mikel Arteta said in his pre-Liverpool press conference that Riccardo had his bag packed ready in case the deal was done, and that would have been a lifesaver given the breakneck speed at how things materialised. Medicals, international travel, contracts, media work, training and now more media, you wouldn’t blame the 22-year-old for being exhausted, but if he was, it didn’t show.

That’s a good job too, as there is no time to be tired during pre-season. Monday’s training session was followed by another two on Tuesday as preparations for the tour finale against Liverpool gather pace. 

But when giving it more thought, perhaps this is the best time for a player to sign for a new club? There’s lots of time on the training pitch to get to know your teammates’ styles, and some friendly matches to shake off any rustiness. Plus, getting to know a group of 29 other players and all the coaching and medical staff is a little easier with everyone all living in the same hotel for days on end.

Those lucky enough to get tickets to the game against the Reds at Lincoln Financial Field on Wednesday, will be hoping they get a chance to see him in action. Mikel said he’s unsure whether to throw him in just yet given the whirlwind few days, but there’s no doubting an appearance by our new no. 33 would be a great way to end the tour - especially if it culminates in another victory.

In the city home to Rocky Balboa, our own Italian Stallion will be hoping there’s a chance to make his mark just before the final bell is rung on our time in the US.

In the last blog, we asked which former Gunner played in their first-ever football match at Lincoln Financial Field when Manchester United played Barcelona in 2003 - the answer was Marc Overmars who came off the bench for the Catalan club that night.