Odegaard: “Making friends at Real Madrid is not easy”

Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard has talked to Norwegian TV channel TV2, where he gave his version about what went on behind the scenes right ahead of his departure from Real Madrid this past summer.

“When you are at the top is not easy to make friends. At least it isn’t when you’re young and you come from another place. I was coming from a different locker room culture and is not easy to integrate yourself and make friends at Real Madrid. It was tough but it’s something that made me stronger and I’m happy that I got to experience it. That culture was different than the one I was used to,” he said.

Odegaard was asked about the differences between Arsenal and Real Madrid and he went on.

“I’d say there’s a big difference, I’m very happy at Arsenal and there is a very pleasant atmosphere in the dressing room. It all depends on the work you do, but it’s important feel valued and see that the club is counting on you,” he added.

Odegaard concluded his remarks about Real Madrid by denying that he wanted to leave the club because he wasn’t given minutes as a starter.

“Whoever knows something about football knows that it’s not like that. No matter the level you play at, nobody has the certainty of being a starter all the time, you have to earn the trust and deserve that role,” he said.

Real Madrid decided to move on from Odegaard and sell him permanently this past summer. He’s scored one goal and delivered one assist over 465 minutes played so far this season.