Martin Odegaard, the gifted Norwegian playmaker, has hailed his life-changing decision to leave the prestigious Real Madrid back in 2020 to join Premier League giants Arsenal.
This momentous step was taken two years ago when Odegaard, at that point just 16 years old, switched from the heart of Spain to the bustling city of London.
His journey to the Emirates began with a successful loan spell and was soon followed by a £30 million permanent transfer. This decision has proven to be a pivotal moment in Odegaard's career, propelling him to a prominent role as captain in Mikel Arteta's Arsenal squad, where he has also emerged as one of the Premier League's brightest stars.
Speaking about his time at Madrid, Odegaard said as the Daily Mail reported: "My time at Madrid was good. It was a positive stage, although perhaps some might think otherwise. 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."
He also expressed his happiness with his decision and the progression he has achieved as a result of it. Odegaard credited his time at Madrid for his current level of performance, stating: "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."
During his time at Real Madrid, the squad was filled with superstar players like Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Gareth Bale, making it challenging for Odegaard to break into the senior squad. Nonetheless, he still maintains a strong affection for the Spanish giants, asserting that they are still the "biggest club in the world."
Odegaard's impressive performances at Arsenal earned him a new five-year contract, extending his stay at the club until the summer of 2028.
Comentarios