Zidane Phone Call a Surprise to Odegaard

Martin Ødegaard was spending his short vacation at home in Drammen, Norway with family and friends. His expectation was to join Real Sociedad for preseason this week in preparation for the upcoming La Liga season. Imanol Alguacil, the Real Sociedad manager, was counting on his playmaker ahead of the club’s next challenge of competing on three fronts.

But, a phone call from Zinedine Zidane changed everything. Just ask Raphael Varane and Isco about such an experience. A phone call from mythical French legend can often be life altering. Ødegaard was not expecting the call. According to a report from Mundo Deportivo Gipuzkoa, Ødegaard was shocked to be hearing from Zidane. The French manager persuaded him to join his parent club next season; presumably on the premise that he will be an important member of the team. The rest is history.

After the call, Zinedine Zidane will now be able to count on the mercurial playmaker for next season. Along with Ødegaard, it’s up to the Frenchman to prove it was the right decision to recall Martin a season early.