When Real Madrid signed Martin Odegaard, one of his first coaches was Zinedine Zidane, whose presence wasn't always good for the midfielder's self-confidence.
The Norwegian, who is now on loan at Vitesse, spoke about his career so far and about his time in Real Madrid's Castilla side.
"Having Zidane as my coach was a very nice thing, but it wasn't good for my self-confidence," he admitted in an interview with Norwegian publication AD.
"What an incredible technique he has.
"I could have gone to many clubs, but Real Madrid was a dream.
"They are the biggest club in the world and were the best option for me.
"There I trained with the senior team and played with Castilla under Zidane.
"I played football with the biggest stars and made a huge step from Stromsgodset to Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo."
Moving to the Spanish capital at such a tender age was a huge decision for the player and he has made clear just what personal sacrifices he was required to make.
"When I was 16, I went to Madrid with my father, who was my driver, but my mother stayed in Norway with my two sisters," he revealed.
"Our family has been separated for several years and that was a sacrifice.
"My parents didn't want me to travel on my own as I was just a teenager, but when I got used to it, he returned home."
pausy
46
I admire the optimism of him. But c'mon this guy is delusional. he thinks he can be A Real Madrid superstar. This guy has destroyed his own career. If he had avoided that real Madrid, he would now be playing in top club of bundesliga. like shalke, Hoffenheim, hopefully Dortmund. I remember his rise when he was a tenage sensation. He had so much potential that he could have been playing in premier league. Hearing that crap from him just makes me feel sorry for this stupid guy. He gave importance to fame rather than his career. If he doesn't move on from Madrid. He is going to be so sorry when he retires. RIP Martin odegaard.
Derrickse
35
Odegaard has exploded in October with 19 years. Until then he was seen a lot of technique but he did not just explode as crack mainly because of his physique. It is normal, few midfielders have exploited with 16 or 17 years. It is even rare to see Odegaard exploding with 19. Now a few weeks ago he has turned 20 and goes to exhibition by game. A show. The statistical company WhoScored has put him at exactly the same level as De Jong for which Barcelona has signed for almost 90 million euros. And for those who say that the Dutch league is a chestnut, to say that it is the same as De Jong plays. It even steals more balls! With almost 2 more years, by the way. When the Dutchman was the age of Odegaard he was not at the level of the Norwegian nor by far. And De Jong plays in a team much easier to show off.