By Victor Kanayo
Arsenal on Friday announced that their capital Martin Odegaard has signed a new five-year contract.
The club while disclosing this via its official website said, “Our captain Martin Odegaard has signed a new long-term contract with the club.
“The Norway international is now in his fourth season with us, having initially joined on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021. He was named our Player of the Season last term after a stellar campaign in which he amassed 15 goals – all in the Premier League – to jointly top our scoring charts from midfield.
“Blessed with incredible vision and awareness, Martin’s performances in 2022/23 also earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year, and nominations for the Premier League Player of the Season, Premier League Young Player of the Season and the FWA Footballer of the Year awards. He was also named the Premier League Player of the Month for November/December 2022.
“A calmly authoritative leader, with huge creative and technical ability, Martin made his senior debut for Stromsgodset aged just 15. He then signed for Real Madrid shortly afterwards and became their youngest player, making his debut aged 16 years and 157 days.
“He enjoyed three successful loan spells in Holland and Spain before joining us and immediately impressed with his passing range and ability on the ball. He has been a full international since August 2014, when he became Norway’s youngest-ever player, aged 15 years and 253 days, and he has captained his country since March 2021.
“Martin has already started this season strongly, being an ever-present in the side and scoring three goals from our seven games in all competitions, including a fine strike in our 4-0 Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night.”
Odegaard’s Reaction
Reacting to the new contract, Odegaard said, “Martin reflected on his great news by saying: “Signing a new contract was a really easy decision for me for lots of reasons. Mainly what we are doing right now as a club is special, and I want to be a part of that. I’m really excited for what’s to come here. I’ve found a place where I can be really settled and call my home.
“My story is a bit different maybe, as I moved around different clubs since I was 16. At Arsenal, since the first day, I’ve felt great and this is definitely my home now. I just want to say thanks to everyone working at the club and of course, our fantastic supporters. I will continue to give everything to bring success to this club in the years to come.”
Arsenal will this weekend face Tottenham in an expected action-filled encounter.
