Martin Odegaard pinpoints the difference between Arsenal and Real Madrid’s dressing room cultures
Martin Odegaard pinpoints the difference between Arsenal and Real Madrid’s dressing room cultures
Odegaard’s Arsenal move made permanent
Martin Odegaard rejoined Arsenal this summer in a deal worth 40 million pounds from Real Madrid.
Martin Ødegaard to Arsenal, here we go and deal confirmed! Permanent move – bit less than €40m to Real Madrid. Personal terms already agreed on five years contract. 🇳🇴 #AFC
Edu and Arteta wanted Ødegaard as only priority since June, strategy was correct… and now, done deal. pic.twitter.com/2LCaiEiKD0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 18, 2021
The Norwegian spent the latter half of last season on loan at the Emirates, but was convinced to make the switch permanent ahead of the upcoming campaign.
He has since become a key cog in Mikel Arteta’s side, playing in all five of the Premier League games for which he has been available this season, although he has just the solitary goal to show for his efforts.
Odegaard compares locker rooms
Speaking in the international break to TV2, Odegaard was quick to point out the difference between the pair of dressing rooms, and eagerly pointed out the world class stars that he had shared a locker room with in Spain:
“Of course, there were many tough periods. I experienced a lot with both the first team and the second team.
“I have been close to the best and biggest. It made me stronger. I feel I have grown a lot on it.
“There were some tough periods, but also a lot of good that I have experienced.
“Being so close to the best in the world is special. I have learned a lot from it.”
However, he then went on to say how much more welcoming and friendly the Gunners’ dressing room was, with the Norwegian saying:
“When you are at the highest level, it is not as easy to make friends and that kind of thing.
“At least not when you are young and come from somewhere else.”
“It’s (Arsenal’s dressing room) quite large, I would say. I think it’s a bit like that in the biggest clubs. It gets a little more scattered and all that.
“I’m very happy where I am now, a very nice squad and a good bunch. It’s nice and easy to thrive.”
Will Odegaard indeed thrive in north London, and become the key man Arsenal desperately need him to be?
