Martin Odegaard held talks with Liverpool and Manchester United over a move before deciding to join Real Madrid
Odegaard also visited Manchester City last year before finally joining Real in January
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Real Madrid wonderkid Martin Odegaard has revealed that held talks with Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City last year regarding a transfer, before deciding the time was right to head to Spain.
The 16-year-old is highly rated across Europe and has been touted as a potential world class player in the making, although Real have stressed that he will not be rushed in his development.
Having already become the youngest player to play for Real, appear in the Champions League and European Championship qualifiers, Odegaard has been widely earmarked as one to watch, and the teenager himself has revealed that he came close to completing a move to the Premier League before deciding to head to Spain.
“I visited Liverpool, the two Manchester teams and they were all very nice but my choice was Real Madrid and I am very happy with that,” Odegaard was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.
“Madrid is very good. It is the best place if you want to become a better footballer. I have been given the No 10 shirt (at Castilla) and it is a big responsibility having that number but it is the one that I like and I am just going to enjoy it.”
Odegaard added that he is in no rush to break into the Real team as a regular fixture, although he did reveal that he has held talks with new head coach Rafa Benitez about what lies in store for the Norwegian.
“I have spoken a little bit with Rafa Benitez but not too much at the minute. My focus is to become a better footballer and develop every day,” he added.
The Independent has launched a new football app! Live scores, in-game stats, breaking news, videos and push notifications are just some of the many features. Use the links below to download and get more from Indy Football...
iPhone
http://ind.pn/iphonefootball
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments