Martin Odegaard has sent a thinly veiled shot at his former club Real Madrid after he joined Arsenal on a permanent basis on Friday.
The Norwegian was confirmed as a permanent Arsenal player, signing a five-year deal at the Emirates Stadium after his successful loan spell in north London last term.
The move to Arsenal brings to an end a six-year spell with Real Madrid having joined the Spanish giants as a teenager in 2015 from boyhood club Stromsgodset.
Whilst the 22-year-old was thankful to Los Blancos for allowing him to fulfil his aspirations and dreams, Odegaard appeared to drop a huge dig at criticism of his transfer choices in an emotional statement issued via his official Instagram account.
He said: “More than 6.5 years ago I signed for Real Madrid and I fulfilled a big dream.
“To be able to wear the white shirt, play at the Bernabéu and play in the Champions League with Madrid. I cannot be more proud. I came here when I was 16 years old and I have had the opportunity to learn from the best in the world and my idols.
“I have learned a lot and I have enjoyed the journey. I am grateful for everything that has happened to me and everything that I have learned. I want to thank all the people who have helped me improve and grow in Madrid. Coaches, teammates, physios, people from the club and the fans. Thanks!
The transfer window is in full swing and things are beginning to ramp up with Edu and Mikel Arteta’s dealings at the Emirates.
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“I’ve had good times and bad times, as always in life and in football. It has made me much stronger and more prepared for what is to come.
“These days people talk a lot about me and my reasons for going out. I just want to say that almost everything they are saying is not the truth. For me it is a shame that the press say things that are not true, because many people sincerely think that it is so.
“I have my reasons, I know what the truth is and what has happened and that is why I think it is for the best.”