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’

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. 

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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

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.