Ancelotti on Ødegaard: "He Was Talented at 16, and He's Still Brilliant Today"

Ancelotti on Ødegaard: "He Was Talented at 16, and He's Still Brilliant Today"

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has praised Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, reflecting on the Norwegian’s early days at the Spanish club and his current success in the Premier League and Champions League.

“Martin Ødegaard was already full of talent when he joined us at 16,” Ancelotti said. “He’s just as brilliant now as he was then.”

Ancelotti explained that while Ødegaard’s quality was never in doubt, the club didn’t have room at the time to give him the minutes he needed.

“He made the choice to leave in search of more playing time, and it worked out. He ended up at one of the top clubs in the Champions League,” the coach added.

Ødegaard has since become a key figure at Arsenal, leading the team with consistent performances and maturity.