The 19 year old Norwegian spoke to Voetbal International.
Martin Odegaard, who scored a brilliant free kick goal over the weekend, is still just 19 years of age. The Norwegian is currently on loan from Real Madrid for his second stint in the Dutch Erdevisie, this time with club side Vitesse. He has featured prominently for Vitesse, as a starter on the right wing as well as a central midfield role over the weekend. His technical ability is far and away the best on the team, it is clear Vitesse manager, Leon Slutsky, who convinced Odegaard to join in the summer, is looking to get the most out of his talented Madrid loanee.
Odegaard took some time away from the pitch to speak with Voetbol International on his goals for the future, where he admitted to one day hoping to have a place in the Real Madrid squad. "I hope to have a spot with Madrid one day. I trained with them all summer and played some minutes during the pre-season. At the end of the summer, the club and I decided the best option was to continue playing somewhere else," he explained to reporters.
Odegaard has been reported to have a tremendous work ethic—working out at his hotel at midnight after his Real Madrid presentation. It appears he also has a good head on his shoulders and is looking at his development rationally—unlike much of the world around him who have already written him off or decided he is a starter in Real Madrid, one can find both ends of the spectrum quite easily. "How many 19 year olds are playing for Madrid? The path is long and I have confidence in myself. I know I have to work hard, learning in every match, and accumulating as many minutes as possible. My final objective is clear: to play one day in Real Madrid. I just renewed my contract and I take that as a gesture of confidence from the club."
If Solari does manage to win a trophy and keep his job past the end of the season, then one player who may benefit is Odegaard. The Norwegian was quoted earlier in the week saying Solari and he had “good relations”. He also noted that having a coach who has played for the club and knows the club is so important for a side like Real Madrid.