Ancelotti Praises Ødegaard’s Growth, Reflects on Real Madrid Exit
“He went to one of the best clubs in the Champions League,” Ancelotti remarked, referring to Arsenal’s recent rise under Arteta.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard. Photo/Getty Images.
By Robert Assad
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has praised Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, reflecting on the Norwegian’s early days at the Spanish club and his impressive development since moving to the Premier League.
Speaking to the press, Ancelotti acknowledged Ødegaard’s exceptional talent, which was evident even as a teenager when he first joined Real Madrid at the age of 16.
“Martin Ødegaard was talented at 16 when he was here at Real Madrid, same as he’s excellent now,” said Ancelotti. “There was no room for him to prove his quality, so he decided to go elsewhere for the chance to play.”
Ødegaard joined Real Madrid in 2015 amid massive media attention as one of Europe’s most promising young prospects. Despite his potential, the competition for places at the star-studded club limited his first-team opportunities.
He spent time on loan at clubs like Heerenveen, Vitesse, and Real Sociedad, gaining valuable experience and sharpening his game.
Ultimately, the midfielder made a permanent move to Arsenal in 2021 after a successful loan spell in North London.
Since then, Ødegaard has flourished under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, establishing himself as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League.
He was named Arsenal captain in 2022 and has been instrumental in the club’s recent resurgence, including their strong showings in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
Ancelotti acknowledged that Ødegaard made a smart decision to leave in search of regular playing time, noting that Arsenal is now among the elite teams in Europe.
“He went to one of the best clubs in the Champions League,” Ancelotti remarked, referring to Arsenal’s recent rise under Arteta.
Ødegaard’s story is one of perseverance and maturity, with many fans and pundits crediting his willingness to leave the comfort of a big club to grow into the player he is today.
His vision, passing accuracy, and leadership on the pitch have earned him widespread acclaim and comparisons to some of the best midfielders in the world.
While Real Madrid continues to produce and attract world-class talent, Ødegaard’s journey serves as a reminder that sometimes stepping away is necessary to truly shine.
And as Ancelotti’s words show, the respect for the Norwegian playmaker remains strong even in Madrid.
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