Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has dismissed suggestions that he could leave the club at the end of the season, insisting his full focus is on helping the team win silverware. The Norway international has struggled with injuries this term, starting only 18 games across the Premier League and Champions League.
Odegaard recently returned from a knee problem and completed back-to-back matches for the first time since December in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Newcastle United. Despite reports linking him with an exit to fund Arsenal’s summer spending, the 27-year-old made his position clear during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.
Odegaard Responds to Exit Speculation
“I don’t know where that’s coming from,” Odegaard said when asked about the rumours. “My mindset is just about doing what I can every single day to do something special. There’s always going to be talk and people speculating and I guess that’s normal in football but it’s not something I know anything about.”
The midfielder also addressed Arsenal’s desire to put past near-misses behind them ahead of the Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid. “It’s always going to be there until we win it,” Odegaard said. “It’s something you have to live with, we need to take the experiences and the lessons and use it in a good way. That’s a part of football and the journey.”
Focus on the Present
“We have to live in the moment. At the moment, we are doing really well. We are in an amazing position in the league and in the Champions League. That’s what we have to focus on: how to be at our best,” Odegaard continued. “How can you not enjoy it? We’re playing in probably the toughest and most competitive league in the world, fighting for the title in the Premier League and we’re in the semi-final of the Champions League.”
“It is hard for me to understand how you could not enjoy that. It’s what we’ve always dreamed about our whole lives, since I was a kid. This is the best part of the season. Everyone is up for it, the energy in the group is amazing.”
Arsenal face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night, with Odegaard expected to play a key role as the Gunners aim to reach the final for the first time since 2006.
