Mikel Arteta has explained the reasoning behind his decision to appoint as ’s new club captain.
The north club announced the decision before Saturday’s 6-0 victory over Sevilla in the Emirates Cup, in which Odegaard wore the armband for the first time since being given the armband on a permanent basis.
was the skipper for a short-term period following the decision to remove Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from his position as captain last year.
Odegaard has impressed since his initial loan move from Real Madrid in January 2021 and has taken on the role of leader on the pitch, even before wearing the armband.
The Norway captain has been a breath of fresh air in the team with his creativity and work rate.
When asked to explain why Odegaard was chosen to captain the club, Arteta said: ‘What I’ve seen over the last 18 months he’s been at the club with us – he represents the values of this football club, of this team, of his teammates and staff in the best possible way.
‘His desire and ambition to take this club to a different level, to push this team, to contribute.
‘And as well the way he’s respected by everybody inside this organisation.
‘He’s a captain as well for his national team and I think it was the right call.
‘I’m proud to announce that because I think he’s a really good person to deliver that commitment to the club.’
On his own reaction to being made captain, Odegaard told club media: ‘Of course I was happy, proud and grateful for the trust and for him wanting me to be the captain. That’s a big achievement for me and it’s nice to be part of such a good team, so I’m going to enjoy that.
‘Yeah of course it’s important that we all take leadership, it’s not just about me or a few people but I think everyone needs to take the leadership and do what’s best for the team, so everyone has to do that.’
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