After much speculation and with an 80,000 pounds-per-week salary, Norwegian youngster Martin Odegaard was unveiled today as a Real Madrid player. Presented by the legendary Emilio Butragueño, Odegaard talked about what influenced him the most to join Los Blancos after spending some time with other top European clubs such as Bayern Munich or Manchester United.
"The reason I chose Real Madrid is because this team has the best conditions, both in sporting terms to develop as a player, and off the field to develop as a person. It's the best option for me. For me it's incredible I'm ready for a team like this one," Odegaard answered in his native tongue.
Asked about how he will handle the pressure of becoming a player for Los Blancos, Odegaard insisted he feels fit for a challenge like this with just 16 years of age.
"I don't feel pressure. Playing for Real Madrid is very different to playing for my previous team. I'll try to enjoy this dream to the full. I've trained a lot. My father has been very important for me. Training with him is what has allowed me to make it here," the player added.
Odegaard already met his future team-mates. Refusing to say explicitly what was said between them, the Norwegian player was thankful for their words and for the opportunity of meeting with some of the greatest players in the world.
"They're great guys and they're incredible. I prefer that what we said to each other during our chats remain between us. They're all top-class players and it's very difficult to choose one, but Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world at the moment. There's also Bale, Isco... There are a lot. Between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, I prefer Cristiano Ronaldo," Odegaard stated.
Odegaard with Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo
Butragueño praised the Norwegian gem
Real Madrid legend Emilio Butragueño was clear on how the club expects the player to flourish, adding that a final decision about the player's development will be taken when the season's over.
"It's an honour to welcome Odegaard. He is a player with extraordinary talent and we have high hopes for him. We're going to do everything we can to ensure both you and your family are very happy in Madrid and that you can develop the fabulous talent you have as a player. You have lots of success ahead of you and I wish you the best for the chapter in your life that you are starting today. Best of luck," Butragueño told the player.
"He is going to train with the first team and with Castilla, and he will play for Castilla until the end of the season. He will do the pre-season with the first team and from there we'll make decisions," 'El Buitre' added.
Odegaard will be paid almost 3.5 million pounds a year, and he will be joined by his father, Hans Eric Odegaard, who will become a part of Real Madrid's youth coaches. During his first six months with the team, the Norwegian player will be paid almost 80,000 pounds a week, a record for a 16-year old.
Watch Martin Odegaard's complete press conference:
