'Liverpool are my dream club – but I turned them down and now play for Arsenal instead'

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Martin Odegaard reveals that while Liverpool were his “dream club” as a youngster, he ultimately turned them down and later signed for Arsenal instead. As a highly sought-after teenage prodigy at Stromsgodset, Odegaard visited several European giants, including Liverpool, where he trained, met first-team stars and was impressed by the club’s history and atmosphere. Despite this emotional pull, he chose a move to Real Madrid, believing La Liga and the Spanish giants offered the best platform for his long-term development.

At Madrid, Odegaard struggled to secure a regular place amid fierce competition and frequent managerial changes. A series of loan spells followed, including a successful stint at Real Sociedad, which helped him rebuild confidence and showcase his creativity, vision and work rate at the top level. However, consistent first-team football in Madrid remained elusive, and he began to consider a permanent move away to fully establish his career.

Arsenal emerged as the ideal destination. Initially arriving on loan, Odegaard quickly impressed Mikel Arteta with his tactical intelligence, pressing, and leadership qualities. The club’s clear project, faith in young players and the opportunity to be a central figure convinced him to make the switch permanent. At the Emirates, he has grown into a key playmaker and, eventually, club captain, embodying the team’s evolving identity.

Odegaard reflects that while Liverpool will always be special to him and he once imagined wearing their shirt, his path has worked out for the best. Turning them down led to a winding journey through Spain that ultimately delivered him to Arsenal, where he feels valued, influential and settled. His story highlights the unpredictable nature of football careers and how early dreams can change as opportunities and circumstances evolve.