Share this @internewscast.com

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

Martin Odegaard has labelled leaving Real Madrid to join Arsenal as the ‘best decision’ after previously moving to the Santiago Bernabeu aged just 16.

The Norwegian playmaker switched Spain for London in a £30m permanent move two years ago having already completed a successful initial loan spell at the Emirates.

Odegaard was handed the Arsenal captaincy in July last year after emerging as a key cog in Mikel Arteta’s squad and establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s best players.

‘My time at Madrid was good. It was a positive stage, although perhaps some might think otherwise,’ said Odegaard.

Martin Odegaard has labelled leaving Real Madrid and joining Arsenal as his 'best decision'

Martin Odegaard has labelled leaving Real Madrid and joining Arsenal as his 'best decision'

Martin Odegaard has labelled leaving Real Madrid and joining Arsenal as his ‘best decision’

Odegaard moved to Madrid as a teenager but struggled to breakthrough into the team

Odegaard moved to Madrid as a teenager but struggled to breakthrough into the team

Odegaard moved to Madrid as a teenager but struggled to breakthrough into the team

‘I learned a lot, I matured a lot and I was able to train with some of the best players in the world. But in the end, leaving was the best decision for me, I wanted to play more and continue growing. 

‘I played with them and I enjoyed it. Maybe the opportunity came too soon but ‘It was a great experience’.

‘I’m happy with the decision I made and how it went. If I hadn’t gone through Madrid I wouldn’t have reached the level I have today. 

Madrid’s squad was packed with superstars in Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale during Odegaard’s time at the club and he was unable to forge a path into the senior squad.

However, he still maintains a fondness for the Spanish giants and insisted they are still the ‘biggest club in the world’. 

Odegaard (left) made 11 senior appearances during his time at Real Madrid before leaving to join Arsenal

Odegaard (left) made 11 senior appearances during his time at Real Madrid before leaving to join Arsenal

Odegaard (left) made 11 senior appearances during his time at Real Madrid before leaving to join Arsenal

The Norwegian has starred since moving to join Arsenal on a permanent deal two years ago

The Norwegian has starred since moving to join Arsenal on a permanent deal two years ago

The Norwegian has starred since moving to join Arsenal on a permanent deal two years ago

‘Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world and the pressure is noticeable, even if it wasn’t as much as Ronaldo, Beckham and company were there.’ 

His performances at Arsenal earned Odegaard a new five-year contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2028.

The Gunners went close to lifting the Premier League title last season before falling away in the closing matches of the campaign as Man City secured the English top-flight crown.

However, the Gunners have started the new season strongly as they join Spurs as the only unbeaten team, with Odegaard a driving force in midfield.

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Man United’s Pre-Season: Challenges of Selling Unwanted Players and the Influence of the ‘Gang of Five’ at Carrington, by Chris Wheeler

Pre-season is typically an opportunity for fresh starts and clean slates, but…

Kylian Mbappe Honors Diogo Jota with Incredible Scissor Kick as Real Madrid Fends Off Borussia Dortmund in Dramatic Finish Featuring Three Injury-Time Goals, Setting Stage for Semi-Final Showdown with PSG

Kylian Mbappe scored an acrobatic scissor-kick to set up a Club World…

Lionel Messi Reportedly Negotiating with Unexpected Saudi Club as Inter Miami Contract Nears End, Hinting at Possible Cristiano Ronaldo Reunion

Lionel Messi is reportedly in talks with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli as…

Liga MX Unveils Striking 2025 All-Star Uniform Showcasing Mascots and Team Symbols

Last week, Major League Soccer introduced the jersey for the 2025 MLS…

USMNT’s 2026 World Cup Roster: Current Team Status and Future Contenders Before the Gold Cup Final

There won’t be many opportunities in the near future for the United…

PSG Players Display Maximum Respect for Lionel Messi After Club World Cup Match

Paris Saint-Germain may be the newly crowned champions of Europe and have…

Jordan Henderson’s Ajax Contract Ends Early at His Request: Club Issues Statement

Jordan Henderson is set to depart from Ajax right away, clearing a…

Welsh Rugby on the Brink: Two Regions at Risk, Pending Strike Talks, and Top Players Considering Departure Due to Financial Turmoil

Welsh rugby is at risk of seeing more of its key players…

Myles Lewis-Skelly Shines at Paris Fashion Week, Concludes a Remarkable Week with Arsenal

It’s been a whirlwind week for Myles Lewis-Skelly – and the teenage…

From Joyful Beginnings to a Heartfelt Goodbye: Ave Maria Echoes from Their Wedding to Diogo Jota’s Funeral Just 13 Days Later

At the end of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva’s funeral…

AFL’s Surprising Strategy to Fast-Track Gout Gout into Action

The AFL is reportedly plotting a surprising move to host Aussie sprint sensation…

Legendary Sports Stars: Pele, Muhammad Ali, and Tiger Woods Featured in Priceless Memorabilia Collection

IT started with two football shirts. They were placed in the cosy…