'Eurosport': Odegaard would only return to Real Madrid if Zidane leaves

Arsenal managed to sign Martin Odegaard in the final days of the transfer market. The midfielder had asked to leave Real Madrid after having played little in the first half of the season. He wanted minutes and 'Los Blancos' let him leave. 

Zinedine Zidane admitted what had happened in his first press conference after getting over coronavirus. As well as defending himself from the media, he left a message for the Norwegian. The Real Madrid coach thought he should have worked harder to try and get into the squad instead of leaving, but he resigned himself to losing him. 

"He wanted to leave and play. In the end, when a player wants to play elsewhere and it's his request, there's nothing you can do. I told him he should stay, that he should fight and be calm. The year is long and we needed him, his return was at my request, but the important thing is he is happy and we are here," the Frenchman explained. 

It seems like things have not been so easy between coach and player. According to 'Eurosport' in England, Martin Odegaard has linked his return to Real Madrid with Zinedine Zidane's possible departure in summer. 

After not having had opportunities in the first half of the season, Odegaard understands that he would not have options with Zidane on the bench. The Frenchman's future is unknown and he himself said in a press conference that for next season "there must be changes". He also asked for "respect" for his jon in the rest of this campaign. 

The cited media outlet says that Arsenal would not mind keeping Odegaard at all. At the moment, he has not started and he is gradually making his way into the team, but he sees the Norwegian as a great player for the future. Odegaard is also reportedly open to staying at the Emirates Stadium if his loan spell is a good one.