Martin Ødegaard didn't think returning to Real Madrid was a good move | OneFootball

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Blaise Bourgeois·16 September 2019

Martin Ødegaard didn't think returning to Real Madrid was a good move

Article image:Martin Ødegaard didn't think returning to Real Madrid was a good move

Despite bagging 11 goals and dishing out a further 12 assists in 39 matches at Vitesse Arnhem last season, once-heralded Martin Ødegaard knew that first-team football at Real Madrid simply wouldn’t be a realistic option this season.

“At the end of last season, I felt it would not be good for me to return to Madrid. In Madrid, there are many good player and the competition is huge.


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“It was obvious that the best for me was to ask for another loan, and I assumed the club would also accept that. Because of that, we decided very early where I would land.”

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While signing a two-year extension to keep him at Real Madrid until 2023, the Norway international headed off to fellow LaLiga side Real Sociedad on a season-long loan.

Ødegaard has got off to a flying start this season, scoring twice in his first four appearances, including the opener in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Atlético Madrid.

Almost as importantly, he has the full backing of manager Imanol, going the full 90 minutes in each match.

Article image:Martin Ødegaard didn't think returning to Real Madrid was a good move

However, the 20-year-old still has his eye on becoming a regular at the Bernabeu.

“My objective is still the same, to play for Real Madrid. That’s why I signed with them, because I want to play there one day.

“I feel that I have improved a lot in the last two years. I think I am a better player and more mature, I am also bigger and stronger.

“I feel like I am better now than when I first arrived in Spain. Of course, age also helps.”