Earlier today, Martin Odegaard was officially named captain of Arsenal Football Club.
The Norwegian takes over full-time after the captaincy was handed short-term to Alexandre Lacazette last season, following the removal of it from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Speaking after the Gunners impressive 6-0 win over Sevilla in the Emirates Cup, the 23 year old spoke about the honour, but insisted that leadership isn’t simply his responsibility.
“It’s a big moment for me and I’m very proud to be captain of this fantastic football club,” he told the official website.
“Of course I was happy, proud and grateful for the trust and for him wanting me to be the captain. That’s a big achievement for me and it’s nice to be part of such a good team, so I’m going to enjoy that.”
Like others before him, Mikel Arteta has spoken about the need for shared leadership, and Odegaard continued, “Yeah of course it’s important that we all take leadership, it’s not just about me or a few people but I think everyone needs to take the leadership and do what’s best for the team, so everyone has to do that.”
And after a good pre-season, the new skipper sounded a positive note heading into the new campaign.
“I think the confidence is obviously high,” he said. We’ve had some good games, we’ve beaten two good teams now lately, and we’re playing well, so of course we have a good feeling.
“But we have to stay calm, we have to stay humble, and keep working hard. We know it’s not going to be easy so we have to keep working hard and always be on our toes.
“That’s what it’s all about, to push everyday.
Great choice for captain. He has shown by being the Norwegian skipper, he can handle the added pressure. It will allow the other players to concentrate on their roles. Good luck!
But it was interesting to see that xhaka holded the speech between the group at the beginning of the match 🤔
I think Xhaka is clearly the vocal leader and senior pro at the club but captain can mean something different.
In Ode’s case it is technical leadership, work-rate and character/values. He is also the conductor of the attacking orchestra.
That set’s the tone for the football we will play.
Absolutely the right choice as captain. I think he will be great. Very excited about the progress our young team is making. Good times.
I love this guy. Captain of Norway. Captain of The Arsenal. And I think we will see him raise his game yet another level this season. More goals, more assists. He’s a superstar in the making. And he’s ours!
My mom is Norwegian and this news is HUGE up there
My captain, my captain may reign be long and be very trophyful.
I love everything about this dude and I’m convinced he’s gonna become and Arsenal legend!
All captain tenures of last decade are sketchy, if he avoids just that I will be happy.
Love Ode
I would have preferred Gabriel Magalhaes but I don’t think Odegaard is a bad choice. Let’s wait for the Amazon Prime stuff to see how each player reacts in the dressing room.
There were a few other options but knowing Arteta this was always going to be the decision and at this point it looks a good one.
Now we pray that the curse of the captains has been lifted!
Captain Arsenal 👊🏾💪🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
My comment 18 months ago:
‘Next Arsenal Captain (tick!)… Future Arse legend’ – give it another 2-3 seasons.