Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard opens up on why he left Real Madrid

Martin Odegaard has blossomed into one of Europe's elite midfielders in recent years. He continues to play a pivotal role as the captain of Arsenal under the guidance of coach Mikel Arteta, who aims to restore the Premier League club to its former glory.

The Norwegian made the switch to Arsenal from Real Madrid in January 2021 after facing challenges in finding his place within the La Liga giant's lineup.

In a recent interview as reported by Goal, Odegaard shared insights into his struggles during his early days at Real Madrid and shed light on his decision to depart the club.

Odegaard speaks on leaving Real Madrid

Reflecting on his departure from Real Madrid, Odegaard expressed his contentment with the choice he made and fondly reminisced about his time with the Spanish powerhouse. He stated,

"My time at Madrid was valuable. It was a positive chapter in my career, although some may think differently. I gained invaluable experience, matured significantly, and had the privilege of training alongside some of the world's finest players.
However, ultimately, leaving was the best decision for me. I yearned for more playing time and continued growth. I relished my time with them and learned a great deal. Perhaps the opportunity came prematurely, but it was an incredible experience."

Furthermore, Odegaard emphasized his satisfaction with having had the opportunity to represent Real Madrid, acknowledging the pivotal role it played in his development. He remarked,

"I'm content with the choice I made and the way it unfolded. Without my stint at Madrid, I wouldn't have reached the level I've attained today. Real Madrid is undoubtedly the world's most prestigious club, and the pressure is tangible, even though it wasn't on the same scale as when icons like Ronaldo and Beckham were there."

Odegaard who recently penned a new deal at the Gunners as reported by Sky Sports, has seen his transfer to Arsenal mutually beneficial for both the player and the club.

As a 24-year-old, he has established himself as one of the Premier League's standout midfielders, while Mikel Arteta's Arsenal has emerged as a formidable force in English football since his arrival.