Martin Odegaard names his Arsenal idol after completing loan move to Emirates

New Arsenal signing Martin Odegaard has revealed that he used to idolise former Gunners midfielder Cesc Fabregas as a child.

Odegaard completed his loan move from Real Madrid on Wednesday, and could make his Premier League debut against Manchester United at the weekend.

Big things are expected of the 22-year-old Norwegian international, and the attacking midfielder said he was delighted to have the opportunity to test himself in England.

“In Norway, the Premier League is really big,” Odegaard told Arsenal.com. “Since I was a little kid there, we always watched all the games, me and my friends. 

“I think it's the biggest league, especially in Norway, so for me it's always been a dream to play in the Premier League and I always liked the way Arsenal played and everything about the club. So it's a dream come true in many ways.

“There were a lot [of Arsenal players I admired]. But I think Fabregas, for me, was one of my idols when I grew up. So especially him.

“The way he controls the game, the way he dictated the game, his ability to give assists and also score goals. Everything about his game. I tried to learn as much as possible when I grew up watching him. He was the top player.”

Odegaard also said the influence of Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was crucial in his decision to make the move to North London rather than returning to former side Real Sociedad.

"I spoke to him before coming here, of course," he added."That was very important for me and he seems like a top manager and I liked his ideas, the way he sees football and also the way he is.

"He gave me a great feeling and that was important for me to come here. He was crucial.

"I think every time you go to a new place, you want to make sure that it feels good and that there is a plan. But I think everything here just seems good. 

"I like the club and I always liked the way that the club wants to play. Everything about the club and now how the manager wants to play, I think it's a club that really suits me well. So I think it's a good match."

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