Odegaard explains ditching Real Madrid for Arsenal

The Norwegian completed a permanent transfer to the London club earlier this summer, putting pen to paper on a four-year deal.

Martin Odegaard explains leaving Real Madrid for Arsenal saying he wanted “stability” in his career.

Odegaard initially signed for Real Madrid six years ago as one of the world’s most exciting prospects after turning down approaches from several other European heavyweights.

The attacking midfielder went on several loan spells, prospering particularly during his stay at Real Sociedad in 2019–2020 and Arsenal in the second half of 2020-21.

Still unable to make a place for himself in the Los Blancos line-up, the 22-year-old finally opted to leave the club on a permanent move earlier this summer and returned to the Premier League.

“I am so happy to be back in Arsenal. I loved it here from the first day I came in January,” Odegaard, who is currently linked up with Norway for the international break, told a press conference, per Metro.

“I wanted stability. I wanted to settle down somewhere with a lot of good players who want to establish the club back at the top, with a good manager.

“That’s why I think Arsenal is pretty perfect for me.”