Martin Odegaard has brushed off criticism surrounding his suitability to be Arsenal captain.
Odegaard, 26, has been the Gunners' skipper since 2022, helping to guide the Gunners to three successive Premier League title pushes, although Mikel Arteta's side have come up short every time.
The Norwegian's form has held up despite the responsibility, with the midfielder contributing 26 Premier League goals and 26 assists over the past three seasons.
However, some have felt Odegaard, who became captain after the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, is not best suited to the role, with other candidates instead better positioned to lead the side.
This includes former Gunners skipper Tony Adams, who felt it was time for change and called for Declan Rice to replace Odegaard.
However, when questioned about this on international duty, Odegaard remained nonplussed.
'I don't care that much, to be honest,' the Norwegian said. 'Everyone can have their opinion and say what they want, and I'm alright with that. I can't care about what everyone says.
'There's a lot of negative and positive things to say, but I can't let it affect me. That's what I've thought throughout my career.'
Speaking last month at an Irish Independent Sport event, Adams had said: 'Every now and again as a manager, you have to put someone who reflects you, who reflects the football club that you think can actually take you to the next level.
'Declan is my kind of captain and what it might do is free up Martin Odegaard to play with more freedom.
'You've got someone in there that is going to play every game and lay the foundations of a title-winning team. Declan Rice can do that, Odegaard can't. Come on Arteta, make him captain.'
Odegaard convincingly won a players' vote to continue as captain ahead of this season and at the time Arteta had expressed his full belief in the 26-year-old heading forward.
'My opinion is clear and it's not just my opinion, it's all the staff and especially the players,' Arteta explained
'I asked them to vote the captain and I got the result yesterday. And by a mile, by a big, big 100 miles, everybody choosing the same person, which is Martin Odegaard, and which is the most clear sign that you can have.
'It's how they feel about who has to be their captain to defend, improve and win the matches that we want to win. So I think there's no question about that.'
When pressed on the player vote reaffirming his authority, Odegaard had added: 'We voted for it. Ultimately, it was [Arteta's] choice anyway. But it was a nice confirmation for me.'
The Gunners have two wins from three games this season and they return to action when they host Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
vuaabdipu
0
Who should take it then I'm really surprised that I heard this from Tony Adams I'm really disappointed I thought Tony Adams is better than this
Jipaeklmp
0
odegaard need to up his game he needs to learn to shoot sometimes and not just passing the ball around always, I agree with ADAMS. if you need a trophy copy some things from great midfielders like lampard and Gerard.
resabekpst
1
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Madueke will get the nod over Nwaneri but i would definitely play him during the game. Maybe for Madueke or Odegaard.
fenalpsu
0
because he like declan rice and because declan is england player. wtf are you saying tony
I prefer Gabriel Meghaes and Rice to Odegard
mezbdeksu
6
Nonsense because Rice is an English man so Tony will talk stupidness to support his English brother
sizbcemst
2
mezbdeksu
0
Nonsense because Rice is an English man so Tony will talk stupidness to support his English brother
Bahekosty
0
Rice and then Gabriel as a vice...
resabekpst
2
Since Adams days football has evolved substantially, the captain doesn’t have to be vocal and arm waving like stupid Fernandez at Utd. He has a big input before games in the dressing room. And in the huddle. Plus Arsenal and other teams have numerous captains on the pitch I.e. Saka, Gabriel, Rice. Captains in different areas of the team. Odegaards only difference is that he wears the arm band.
AbSixers
0
because he like declan rice and because declan is england player. wtf are you saying tony
You watching arsenal play, odegaad and rice who is supposed to be the captain
kolonegooner
2
English trying to promote the English .... why not Bukayo then .... Rice was bought by Arsenal. Still waiting for his A game to show up consistently. .
kolonegooner
3
Very disappointed with Adams commentary. Rally the team, do not invite discord. Stupid statement. Players voted, case is closed.
Subblort
2
English people because he’s not English hmmmm this guy’s
Muhammadnashirulnash
5
because he like declan rice and because declan is england player. wtf are you saying tony
UnitedClub
3
What I have noticed is that these so called legends they seems to try and destroy those that uprising, they try to supreme and shrink them when they tries to rise better than them. Legends only see faults and insufficiencies in young promising players. My honest assessment is that these legends looks and seems jealous of who could be better. I even seen some of them how they criticise Messi's or Ronaldo's play in a match, which is crazy considering they are the best of footballing family. So this man Tony Adams, I never even heard of him before and I know every good footballer. He was just a regular players that no one really fell in love with football because of him. Odegaard is a good lad by nature and I'm sure he is better captain and current Arsenal have a good dressing room attitude, and Tony think just because Rice is English he deserves it? That's hypocrisy 2.0.
kmuguna
4
Those who matter at Arsenal says Martin for captain, so the heck are talking about Tony?
suaaekpu
3
Take no notice of what ex-players say. A lot have changed since their time. In their time, it was aggression, long ball, kick opponent's leg and no VAR to view a replay. To be a captain, you don't have to be a bull. Just play football, no bull.
Vipckmnorz
3
some of those guys who called themselves legends are Now a day wanting to cause commotion among a united team work. Rice has been and is a very good lad as well but that doesn't mean he's better every way than OD. they are all united as a team. so, Mr. legend, please carry your politics else where not in our beloved club.