Martin Odegaard is aiming to lead Arsenal to the Premier League title this season as the Gunners prepare to do battle with Manchester City once again.
Mikel Arteta’s side kicked off their EPL campaign with a 2-0 home win over Wolves as Odegaard completed 90 minutes at the Emirates Stadium.
The Norwegian has become the fulcrum of Arsenal’s midfield under Arteta, with 2024/25 his third season as captain, as part of a rise to become one of Europe’s top creative playmakers.
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However, despite his career turnaround in North London, his early days as a professional were not smooth, after for a infamous move to Real Madrid aged just 16 back in 2015.
Despite making his senior Norway debut at 15, and being heralded as a future star in Madrid, it simply did not work out for him in the Spanish capital.
Odegaard’s age was a constant news story, as he looked to settle into life in Madrid, as part of his acclimatization with the club’s youth set up.
A promised pathway to the first team never materialised, with four loan spells away from Madrid, including a stint at Arsenal, and just eight La Liga appearances until his eventual permanent departure in 2021.
The constant attention surrounding his tender age was a source of frustration for Odegaard and he believes it heavily impacted Real Madrid’s cautiousness over using him.
“It was annoying. Everyone just saw me as the young kid and you just want to be looked at as a normal player. I think it’s normal when you play at such a young age, it comes with more attention.”, as per an interview with Arsenal’sl YouTube page.
“As you get older, and get more minutes, People start to forget your age and see your quality. They don’t care too much about your age and that’s the main thing.”
Odegaard was speaking as part of a Q&A session with Arsenal’s youngest ever player Ethan Nwaneri, who graduated from the club’s Hale End academy, in the footsteps of Ashley Cole, Jack Wilshere, Cesc Fabregas and current star Bukayo Saka.
