Arsenal's Odegaard: "I am very grateful to Madrid but I needed to play"

Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard is "happy" at the Emirates Stadium. The 24-year-old believes he made the right decision in leaving Madrid to join the Gunners, as does his Norwegian national team coach Stale Solbakken.

The Norway international spoke about Ancelotti's side in a pre-match press conference ahead of the Spain game: "I had a very hard time but the experience was good. It was like a dream for me," he said.

Odegaard signed for Real Madrid's academy in 2015 after receiving offers from several European clubs. In fact, he made his debut for the first team that same year and became the youngest Madrid footballer to play in a La Liga competitive match.

The midfielder decided to leave the Santiago Bernabeu in 2021 to join Arsenal after several loan spells. The Norwegian left because he did not get enough playing time and has now become one of the stars of the Premier League.

"I think I made the right decision. I am very grateful for everything I experienced but now I am very happy," Odegaard added. Moreover, he spoke about Haaland's withdrawal: "Any team would notice his absence in the team but we have to keep moving forward."