‘When I came here, we weren’t where we are now. To be part of that journey means a lot to me’ – Martin Odegaard opens up on his move to Arsenal

Martin Odegaard has described how finding a sense of belonging at Arsenal has transformed both his career and personal life, as the Norwegian captain reflects on the club’s upward trajectory since his arrival in north London.

The 27-year-old, who initially joined on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021 before making the switch permanent that summer, told FourFourTwo that the Emirates Stadium now feels like home after years of transient loan spells across Europe.

“Moving around so much was good in one way, because I learned a lot and had to adapt, whether to different teams, different coaches or different cultures,” Odegaard explained. “But at the same time, you miss something. You miss stability, the feeling of being in one place and really belonging. That’s what I’ve found here at Arsenal and in London.”

Appointed club captain ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, the midfielder is currently in his fifth full season with the Gunners and is poised to lead Norway at the country’s first World Cup since 1998 this summer. He credits the seamless integration into Arsenal’s environment for allowing him to flourish.

“From the first moment I walked into the training ground, I felt as if I belonged here,” he said. “It’s a nice feeling to be part of something for a long time – to be part of a process, to grow together, to keep getting better. When I came here, we weren’t where we are now. To be part of that journey means a lot to me.”

Odegaard’s sentiments extend beyond club duty; he draws parallels with his role as national-team skipper, underscoring a desire for long-term growth and collective improvement on every stage he represents.