Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has spoken about his friendship with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland ahead of their crucial title clash.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has revealed his friendship with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, despite the intense rivalry between their two clubs.
Odegaard and Haaland are both part of the Norwegian national team and have a close bond off the pitch.
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What Odegaard said about friendship with Haaland
The attacking midfielder insists that any animosity between the two players is confined to the pitch.
He believes that the passion and emotions involved in such big games can sometimes lead to heated moments but that it is all part of the game.
Martin Odegaard has spoken about his friendship with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland (Credit: Imago)
“I think in football, games like this, the emotions are so high and the adrenaline is there and everything,” said the Arsenal captain.
“So, that’s something that can happen on the pitch and then when you walk off the pitch, then you are done with it. It is not something I think too much about.
“I think it is normal when you play these big games that there is a big rivalry. You are competing and you want to be the best. So, that’s how it should be and there should be a little bit of heat sometimes.
“But then, I think a lot of the players know each other from the national team – England, Brazil, me with Erling – so on the pitch and off the pitch it is a bit different. When we are on the pitch, then it’s a good battle.”
Odegaard and Haaland are both key players for their respective clubs and will be looking to lead their teams to victory in Sunday’s crucial title clash.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland (Credit: Imago)
Arsenal are currently nine points behind league leaders Liverpool and need to win to keep their title hopes alive.
Despite the high stakes, Odegaard is relishing the challenge and is focused on helping Arsenal win their first Premier League title since 2004.
“We have to look forward and push for the goals to win the big trophies and we’re still in a really good position, so that has to be our focus,” said Odegaard.
“That is the big goal and I have been dreaming about this since I was a young kid – to win one of the big trophies and especially the Premier League was always something special growing up, so this would be the biggest dream.”
Arsenal are undefeated in their last four meetings with Man City, winning last season’s corresponding fixture 1-0.
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