Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has explained why he opted for Real Madrid over Liverpool when he made the much-anticipated move as a 16-year-old.
The Norwegian was one of the hottest prospects during his teens as he courted interest from around Europe after emerging as a talent in the Stromgodset set-up.
Liverpool were among the clubs looking to attract the sought-after playmaker but their efforts were gazumped by Los Blancos in 2015. A year earlier, he had expressed his admiration for the Reds and even dubbed them as his "dream club".
READ MORE: Arthur Melo returns as Liverpool handed several big injury boosts
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp set for intriguing press conference as Cody Gakpo makes change behind scenes
He said speaking to Sport Bild back in 2014: "Liverpool have always been my dream club, but I will not let this affect my decision when I choose a new club.
"It's all about finding the team that is best for me and for my development. That is not necessarily Liverpool. I haven't really thought about my future yet.
"I will end the season here and then visit a number of clubs. I have not made a final decision yet, though. Of course, it's flattering when you hear that big clubs are after you, but I don't think about it too often."
The host of clubs looking for the midfielder's signature was Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Manchester United as well as current club Arsenal.
"My dad handled everything with the clubs, and there were a lot," Odegaard told The Players Tribune, explaining the situation as a teenager. "We went to Bayern, Dortmund, Man Utd, Liverpool, Madrid, Arsenal too. We got flown around in private planes and made to feel special.
"I’m not just saying this … I was actually close to choosing Arsenal. When we went there, I got to train at London Colney. I met Arsène Wenger. He took me and Dad out for dinner.
"That was cool, but strange too. It’s Arsène Wenger, you know? He’s this legend I grew up watching on TV, and now I’m sitting across from him eating steak. I was so nervous I was just sitting there thinking, Is he analysing me right now? Is he going to judge me if I eat the fries? Maybe I should just leave them. Hahaha!"
Towards the end of the January transfer window in 2015, Odegaard was unveiled as a Real Madrid player where he eventually went on to make just 11 first-team appearances but played 62 times for the Castilla set-up in the Spanish capital.
"So, why Real Madrid then? I talked about it a lot with my dad and the rest of my family. In the end, Madrid is Madrid," he added. "They were the Champions League holders with the best players in the world. Back then, I loved Isco — he was so smooth on the ball.
"Another one of my kind of players! But the really key thing about Madrid’s offer was that they had a B team where I could play competitive football immediately. And the manager of that team? Zinedine Zidane. It felt like the total package."
During his six years with Los Blancos, he took in temporary spells in Holland with Herenveen and Vitesse Arnhem before signing for Real Sociedad on loan.
He initially signed on a short-term basis at Arsenal in 2021 but made his move permanent that summer - since going from strength to strength in north London and was named club captain at the start of the season.
READ NEXT:
Liverpool confirm European Super League stance after new proposals emerge
7 pictures of new LeBron James and Liverpool collection from Nike
Arsenal are creating long-term Liverpool problem Gary Neville still can't see
Van Dijk has told Klopp how to fix Liverpool problem that £25m transfers couldn't solve
Carlo Ancelotti on Real Madrid injury 'doubts' as Karim Benzema update shared before Liverpool
