Martin Odegaard in action for Real Madrid (Getty Images)
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Real Madrid wonderkid Martin Odegaard has revealed that held talks with Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City last year regarding a transfer, before deciding the time was right to head to Spain.
The 16-year-old is highly rated across Europe and has been touted as a potential world class player in the making, although Real have stressed that he will not be rushed in his development.
Having already become the youngest player to play for Real, appear in the Champions League and European Championship qualifiers, Odegaard has been widely earmarked as one to watch, and the teenager himself has revealed that he came close to completing a move to the Premier League before deciding to head to Spain.
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“I visited Liverpool, the two Manchester teams and they were all very nice but my choice was Real Madrid and I am very happy with that,” Odegaard was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.
“Madrid is very good. It is the best place if you want to become a better footballer. I have been given the No 10 shirt (at Castilla) and it is a big responsibility having that number but it is the one that I like and I am just going to enjoy it.”
Odegaard added that he is in no rush to break into the Real team as a regular fixture, although he did reveal that he has held talks with new head coach Rafa Benitez about what lies in store for the Norwegian.
“I have spoken a little bit with Rafa Benitez but not too much at the minute. My focus is to become a better footballer and develop every day,” he added.
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