Pep Guardiola’s 2014 comments on Martin Odegaard resurface

That's why he's won it all

Odegaard has established himself as one of the world's most talented players and even become a real leader by taking the captain's armband at Arsenal.

Once touted to be the next big thing in world football, the Norwegian signed for Real Madrid as a 15-year-old but struggled to make his mark and after loan spells at Heerenveen, Vittesse and Real Sociedad, it was at the Emirates Stadium where he would eventually find his home.

Since joining on a permanent deal in 2021, the 25-year-old has 28 goals in 98 appearances and wouldn't look out of places in most teams across the globe.

Guardiola wanted Odegaard

2014 was the year that the creative midfield maestro began to make headlines on the world stage, featuring for Stromsgodset and had a queue of sides lining up to sign him. Liverpool, Arsenal and Madrid were some of the clubs but Bayern Munich - then managed by Guardiola - were also in contention.

He even went to train at Bayern's facilities but ended up choosing to make the move to Spain instead.

During the time Odegaard was being courted by Europe's biggest clubs Guardiola told Jan Age Fjortoft, who was part of the Norway coaching staff during the then-15-year-old's breakthrough, that he was desperate to sign him and make him "the best in the world".

Revealing on the Here We Go Podcast, Fjortoft claimed the Catalan coach said: "You have to bring that boy to Munich, you have to bring him to Munich! I will make him the best player in the world."

Unfortunately for Guardiola that didn't come to fruition and while he isn't the best player in the world, Odegaard is certainly considered to be one of the most gifted on the world stage.

True ✅ https://t.co/kbYoz4EoTt

— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) March 19, 2024

Guardiola on Odegaard now

Back in 2023 Guardiola was asked about his previous interests in Odegaard and if he could recall the first time he saw the Norway international play.

"I remember perfectly, he came with his father for two or three days of training sessions. I needed five minutes to think, 'this player plays good,'" he said.

"I think he made a tour all over Europe, training for however many clubs. In the end, Arsenal was attractive for him, an exceptional player, captain at his age in Arsenal in a short time there is because you have to be a special personality, has the strength to be captain. Mikel wouldn’t give him captaincy if he didn’t have the strength to be captain."

Related links:

• Joshua Kimmich open to joining three Premier League clubs
• Pep Guardiola reveals which job he wants after he leaves Man City
• Arsenal fans demand club to make transfer after wonderkid’s link up with Ødegaard