Martin Odegaard sends heartfelt goodbye to Real Madrid with cryptic message to the media

Martin Ødegaard was officially presented as a new Arsenal player today, leaving Real Madrid after 6.5 years. Many felt the midfielder would play a key role for Los Blancos in the coming years, but the Norwegian prioritized playing time and the right environment for his football, rather than trying to make the grade at Real Madrid. In a message released to fans via his social media account, Martin Odegaard said thank you to Real Madrid and relayed a cryptic message to all those who doubted his mentality.

Below is Martin Ødegaard’s message transcribed from his official Instagram account:

“More than 6.5 years ago I signed for Real Madrid and I fulfilled a big dream.

To be able to wear the white shirt, play at the Bernabéu and play in the Champions League with Madrid. I cannot be more proud. I came here when I was 16 years old and I have had the opportunity to learn from the best in the world and my idols. I have learned a lot and I have enjoyed the journey. I am grateful for everything that has happened to me and everything that I have learned.

I want to thank all the people who have helped me improve and grow in Madrid. Coaches, teammates, physios, people from the club and the fans.

Thanks!

I’ve had good times and bad times, as always in life and in football. It has made me much stronger and more prepared for what is to come.

These days people talk a lot about me and my reasons for going out. I just want to say that almost everything they are saying is not the truth. For me it is a shame that the press say things that are not true, because many people sincerely think that it is so.

I have my reasons, I know what the truth is and what has happened and that is why I think it is for the best.”

The new Arsenal playmaker has clearly seen the reports questioning his mentality. Ødegaard clearly does not agree with the reports and feels there is a greater truth that fans and media may never come to know. For now, he has chosen a different path for his career, and those reasons are his own.