Arsenal captain to become a father: Odegaard shares excitement | OneFootball

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is not only making headlines on the pitch but also off it, with the announcement that he and his girlfriend, Helene Spilling, are expecting their first child.

The Arsenal star has expressed his excitement about becoming a father for the first time.

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In a recent interview with TV2, Odegaard shared his feelings on the upcoming new chapter in his life. “It’s fantastic and something I’m really looking forward to,” the 25-year-old said.

“It’s something I’ve really wanted to do in my life, so it will be great.”

Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard on holiday together

When asked about how he expects to handle fatherhood, Odegaard admitted, “It is difficult to say. It is probably what most people say; that you don’t quite know what you’re going to do until you suddenly stand there. But I’m really looking forward to it.”

Since becoming Arsenal captain, Odegaard has flourished, and his personal life seems to be following a similar path. “I feel I am established in my life now,” Odegaard told TV2. “I feel like I’m at the perfect club and I’m fine at home too. So, now I feel that things are in place.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on April 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Despite this feeling of contentment, Odegaard pointed out that there’s still one major goal left to accomplish: “The only thing missing is for us to start winning titles with Arsenal and make it to the championship with Norway.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal applauds the fans following the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Emirates Stadium on August 17, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Odegaard’s on-pitch performances continue to be top-tier, as evidenced by his recent masterclass even as Norway played out a 0-0 draw against Kazakhstan.

The midfielder’s dominant display saw him receive a rating of 8.6, significantly higher than teammate Erling Haaland, who struggled in front of goal – and every other player on the pitch.

Arsenal’s Norwegian midfielder #08 Martin Odegaard celebrates at the end of during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on April 28, 2024. Arsenal wins 3 – 2 against Tottenham Hotspur. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

Odegaard’s importance to Mikel Arteta‘s team has been unquestionable, and his leadership continues to inspire.

His next challenge, however, is to guide Arsenal to silverware – a task he is determined to achieve as the club pushes for Premier League and European glory.

However, with the international break in full swing, Odegaard is now focusing on Norway. The pressure is mounting, and as he prepares for fatherhood, he continues to shoulder the expectations of both his club and country.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 21: Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Martin Odegaard after his team’s victory in the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

This exciting personal development for Odegaard adds another layer to what has already been a remarkable year.

As Arsenal captain and now a father-to-be, he faces new challenges both on and off the pitch – challenges he seems more than ready to tackle.