Martin Odegaard claims many lies have been spread about his reason for wanting to leave Real Madrid, with the Norwegian having now completed a permanent move to Arsenal.
A £30 million ($41m) deal has allowed a talented 22-year-old to swap life in the Spanish capital for that in the English equivalent for a second time in his short career.
Having caught the eye on loan with the Gunners last season, it was suggested that Odegaard would look to impress back at his parent club this summer, but he has returned London amid claims that he failed to win over Carlo Ancelotti at Santiago Bernabeu.
Taking to Instagram to address the rumours, Odegaard has said: "More than six-and-a-half years ago I signed for Real Madrid and fulfilled a big dream.
"To be able to wear the white shirt, play at the Bernabeu and play in the Champions League with Real Madrid. I couldn't be prouder. I came when I was 16 and I had the opportunity to learn from the best in the world and my idols.
"I've learned a lot and I've enjoyed the journey. I am grateful for everything that has happened to me and everything I have learned. I want to thank all the people who have helped me to improve and grow with Real Madrid. Coaches, teammates, physios, people from the club and the fans. Thank you!
"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 there is a lot of talk about me and my reasons for leaving. I just want to say that most of what they are saying is not the truth.
"For me it's a pity that the press says things that are not true, because a lot of people honestly think that's the case. I have my reasons, I know what the truth is and what has happened and that's why I think [moving to Arsenal] is the best thing to do. Thank you."
Having joined the Gunners on a short-term loan in January, Odegaard went on to register two goals and as many assists through 20 appearances in all competitions.
He remained on Mikel Arteta's radar after returning to Spain and a long-running saga has finally been brought to a close early in 2021-22, allowing an ambitious performer to start planning long-term in familiar surroundings.
Odegaard added: "Damn, it feels good to be back!!
"Great feeling to commit myself to this amazing club for the long term this time.
"I can’t wait to get out there again and play in front of a full Emirates Stadium. Finally be able to have you all there lifting us forward!
"More motivated and excited than ever. Let’s go Gunners!!"
Odegaard will not be cleared to make his debut in a derby date with Chelsea on Sunday, but could figure in a Carabao Cup clash with West Brom on Wednesday or a trip to reigning Premier League champions Manchester City next weekend.
Aleonhkss
1
ow come on......this coward again...he left so move on already!!! shhhhishhhhh!!!!
worldboss309
0
How are you sure about Kubo playing for Realmadrid in future when Realmadrid always employe coaches who love playing old age players those coaches have no idea of how to make young players become a formidable champion
its the same thing you guys say every year. just shut up n enjoy my club glory
ABDULFATAI ADESANYA
1
Everyone knows that you can't compete Martin, stop all this and face your Arsenal career young man. Good luck
Is that an excuse? you said everyone knows that he can't compete for a position but not me. Did Realmadrid sign him to Come and compete when he was 16? was that the promised Realmadrid made to him or was competing in the team part of the bagain Realmadrid made with him before signing him at 16? I still don't understand how some fans treated a young lad player who's just about coming up.
ABDULFATAI ADESANYA
1
Everyone knows that you can't compete Martin, stop all this and face your Arsenal career young man. Good luck
is that an excuse? you said everyone knows that he can't compete but not me. Compete for what? was that the reason Realmadrid signed him when he was 16? was compete part of the bargain and promised Realmadrid made to him before signing him at 16? I really don't understand some fans with bad feelings they do have towards young players
ABDULFATAI ADESANYA
1
Loosing most of all the valuable young players all in the name of signing just one player in Mbappe. Signing young players without allowing them to fulfill their dreams by selling them out to other clubs, honestly this idea may discourage the young players signing for Realmadrid. I see no problem with this lad with the way some fans usually label him Lazy or sometimes says he's not ready to fight for his position. How? Odegard has performed very well in all clubs he's been loaned to so what else again? Apart from Modric, is there any creative midfielder who can hold the central midfield? Modric will soon hang up his boot sooner or later by then we start complaining of no team having no midfielder but mind you, Realmadrid have just sold a promising talented creative midfielder in Odegard
ABDULFATAI ADESANYA
1
I really didn't want him to leave Real Madrid, but Real Madrid don't hold players against their will. Wish him all the best. Next season Kubo will be a left-footed winger with crazy skills.
How are you sure about Kubo playing for Realmadrid in future when Realmadrid always employe coaches who love playing old age players those coaches have no idea of how to make young players become a formidable champion
riubekprsy
2
this formation can catch for us some fish if Auba regains for
RajuMondal
1
RajuMondal
1
best of luck...
Cozcdilmoz
3
Everyone knows that you can't compete Martin, stop all this and face your Arsenal career young man. Good luck
ladiadewumi
3
I really didn't want him to leave Real Madrid, but Real Madrid don't hold players against their will. Wish him all the best. Next season Kubo will be a left-footed winger with crazy skills.
CGM
3
R1 goals . Benzima 2 .Braithwaite 2. Roberto 1.Vin 1. Pique 1. Nacho 1 R2 who will score first
CGM
0
Mbappe for likes ,Pogba reply, Rudiger ignore .you choose Real Madrid fans
Pocabdmosy
2
Maybcnost
1
Who will wear a boring Liverpool Tshirt either to any where? You are now talking after your 30yrs struggles. Can you see what we were saying about people lacking sense of judgment!
Feeabcelop
1
starting line up against Chelsea
Maybcnost
1
Each time I have told Arsenal fans that 98% of what they hear and moan over about the FC Arsenal are stories both the pundits and our enemies write. What baffles me is how a journalist would be able to sleep after writing a damaging article about someone... They told us that Barcelona wanted to sign Aubameyang simply because he didn't play the first game of the season. Now, the club said his absence was due to Covid19 he has...
RichardBaffoe
1
Desmondeyum
2
Odegaard has been at Madrid for 6 years and turned from boy to man who captains his national team, knows that's expected, can deal with pressure and has been surrounded by champions. He's exactly who you want to base a project around. He needs to now write his own story.
vuaklouz
1
my 1st 11 choices, i preferred attacking.. rowie and oddegard attacking minded, only 1 defensive midfield is enough with solid back four. hope everyone perform tonight. Do u agree guys?
Desmondeyum
5
Dani Ceballos looking at Arsenal signing Odegaard after only 6 months with them while he was there for 2 years
Hehabnpyz
1
top
Akekala
1
Don Carlo don't lie, he tell it as it is, Fight for your place, even Bale is fighting for his life...no hand outs!!!
Alhajishamsi
1
thank you odegaard good bye bye bye0
SANKLORAY
1
he just said it all. thank you Ødegaard
tozadilnsu
1
Let's go
Dramz
1
trueculer
4
Martin knows playing in champions league games are very difficult that's why he chooses to retire by joining Arsenal
Philchetz
2
Yas we expected you to stay, buh as usual you wanted an express way to the first team, may arteta hand you that
Dramz
2
Truly this team is not that bad
Joyaklsyz
2
This guy is coward...who jst dsnt have the heart n legs for a strong challenge...that's the truth
BøūjèéWïddãŪzî
2
No lies were spread….Valverde came to us at 18 years old and forced himself in the squad…Ødegaard just needed to have some patience and performance at a high level and things would’ve been different…he keeps running from the challenge
Cembdelmpr
1
This must be Arsenal's starting lineup for 2021-2022.
Dawaikmoru
1
hardtruth7
3
He said he learned from the best. Below is the definition of the Best player...
ORUVAL3
1
What were you expecting...that is what we have been the truth