It's been awhile since we've heard from Martin Ødegaard, who here is responding to recent criticism by local pundits after having a great game vs Heracles two days ago.

Dutch pundit Johan Derksen: "Clubs like Ajax and PSV could use Martin Ødegaard well, but I do not think they can buy him. He is of course still from Real Madrid and they will still try to get him to a certain level via loaning. But he is a pleasure to watch right now."

Martin Ødegaard on if Solari's appointment affects his Real Madrid plans.

Martin Ødegaard's head is bolted on the right way.

Martin Ødegaard: "I get a lot of freedom at Vitesse. And that does me good. I can say that this was my best match at Vitesse. Personally I feel better and better. I just enjoy myself, I already did at Heerenveen. As is the case with Willem II, life is perfect, after all."

Martin Ødegaard: "I can say that this was my best match at Vitesse." https://twitter.com/ousgod/status/1067231611593388038/video/1

Ødegaard: "When you go to Madrid, there are expectations. Also, I'd expectations of getting more matches than I have, I will not hide. But it took time to get a fixed place, I've always been aware of this. I always had a thought that I might have to be loaned in another country."

Ødegaard: "So the main goal is that I hope to play in Madrid gradually and show that it was the right choice. If it happens in the summer or in 3yrs, doesn't matter. I don't stress on that. I feel like I'm young, I've many years left, and there's still 5-6 years to be my best."

Florentino Perez: "Ødegaard has developed well and we hope he can play for the first team at Real Madrid one day. We value that he is still only 20 years old."

Ødegaard: "I have many dreams, here too, like to win the Cup, but I want to be a starter at Madrid one day, it would be incredible. I have to work hard and see what happens. I would like to go back to Real Madrid and play there, it's my goal."

Martin Ødegaard: "Having Zidane as my coach was a very nice thing, but it wasn't good for my self-confidence. What an incredible technique he has. I could have gone to many clubs, but Real Madrid was a dream. They are the biggest club in the world & were the best option for me."

Martin Ødegaard: "At Real Madrid I trained with the senior team and played with Castilla under Zidane. I played football with the biggest stars and made a huge step from Stromsgodset to Ramos& Cristiano. Our family has been separated for several years and that was a sacrifice."

Martin Ødegaard: "When I was 16, I went to Madrid with my father, who was my driver, but my mother stayed in Norway with my two sisters. My parents didn't want me to travel on my own as I was just a teenager, but when I got used to it, he returned home."

Radio MARCA: Ajax offers around €20m for Ødegaard but Real Madrid are not considering any sale & continue to have faith in his development. Martin likes the Dutch league but his ultimate ambition is to triumph at Real Madrid.

Martin Ødegaard: “Ajax…who knows? In the summer I’ll go back to Madrid and we’ll see what they want to do."

Martin Ødegaard on Ajax rumors: "I try not to pay attention to it. I have to play well and score goals. If I do that, clubs will watch you and a decision will be made in the summer where I will play. Ajax is a good club."

Martin Ødegaard: "I think that's too much money [rumors that Ajax willing to pay €20m]. I do not think that I have to cost so much money. But my agent talks to the people in Madrid and I will hear later what comes from that."

Ødegaard: "Zidane's return is very positive. He had successful seasons, knows the club & players well. Everyone knows him too & there's a good relationship among the group so I think its perfect. Positive for me too as we have a good relationship. He was my coach for many years."

Vitesse Arnhem coach Leonid Slutsky on Ødegaard's future.

ABC: Ajax want Ødegaard but they're not the only European club interested. For now, Zidane wants to watch in preseason before making a decision for the next year.

Ødegaard on Ajax rumors: "I have to talk to Real Madrid and we’ll make a decision together.”

Ødegaard: "Playing time is important to me & it will be difficult in Madrid, so we have to find the best solution for both parties. I have not heard anything about any transfer fee, to be honest. They are all rumors and that is part of football, you have to deal with that."

Ødegaard: "It's hard [to avoid constant rumors], I don't want to feed the speculation. Ajax is a great club, but I don't want to speculate about it. I do not know if it is true what is being said in the media."

Ødegaard: "I’m ready to take the next step. I want to keep growing as a player. I’ve scored more and assisted more than last season and I think I’ve been improving. I’d like to play in the UCL but there’s no need to rush. I’m only 20 and I’ve got plenty of time ahead of me.”

Ødegaard: "Slutsky [the manager] has given me freedom and confidence. When the season ends I’ll make a decision and see where is best for me to continue my development, but first I want to finish the season in the best way possible with Vitesse."

Radio MARCA was the first almost 2 months ago to mention the Ajax & Ødegaard story. De Telegraaf today only writes Real are prepared to give them an opening + Ajax willing to consider & the situation will become clear in the coming weeks. It doesn't say anywhere talks have begun. https://twitter.com/Ultra_Suristic/status/1102660262161776640

In fact De Telegraaf writing 'Ajax won't have to pay the absolute top prize for Martin' or 'Real offer an opening' can't only be interpreted as Real Madrid selling him for cheaply, which many are tweeting. It can mean a variety of options, clauses, player swaps etc. Relax.

MARCA: Last summer Real Madrid hoped that Ødegaard would go on loan to a club in Spain, but Martin wanted Vitesse because he knew Dutch league that suits his style of play. Florentino Perez speaks well of Ødegaard. His contract with Madrid is until 2021.

MARCA: Real Madrid have made it clear Ødegaard is not for sale. The likeliest option is another loan which could still interest Ajax.

MARCA: Real Madrid have taken Ødegaard off the market. He is not for sale. Zidane will make a final decision to include him in the Real Madrid squad for next season or send him out on loan again on the premise he is in the manager's near future plans.

De Telegraaf: Real Madrid is open to the idea of sending Ødegaard on a 2-year loan to Ajax. They won't sell him.

Ahem. Told you.

AS: Ajax to offer Real Madrid €20m and a 2021 buy-back option for Ødegaard as Donny van de Beek's replacement.

Ødegaard has been named by the Eredivisie as Player of the Month. He the best performing player in April, in terms of statistics & is also in the Team of the Month.

Ødegaard (in English) on receiving the Dutch league's POTM April 2019 award and Zidane's influence.

Or just skip to 2:30 and hear him address the Ajax rumors. Smart kid ;)

Ødegaard: "First, I want to qualify with Vitesse for Europe, then I have matches with Norway, and only then will I speak with Madrid."

Vitesse coach Slutsky: "Ødegaard's ready for the next level, he can handle the pressure."

Eredivisie's official TOTS 2018/19 vs Whoscored's version. #Ødegaard

MARCA: It appears the soon-to-be unveiled Hazard, Vinicius, Rodrygo, ASENSIO, Isco & Brahim will be part of the squad next season which means it's very likely another loan, or a sale with a buy-back for Ødegaard. It'll be decided in the first week of July.

MARCA: Bayer Leverkusen join Ajax and other La Liga teams in wanting Ødegaard. Real Madrid will sit down with his representatives once his season has concluded.

Ødegaard: "Real Madrid often sell [players] with a buy-back option included in the deal. That could be a solution. Another way forward is a loan, but it depends on how they feel about it, and the interest of other clubs. I have to keep on getting minutes at a high level."

Ødegaard: "This year has been good for me. I want to take the next step in my career, because I want to play even better. I don't know if they [Ajax] are really interested. My agent will inform me after the season. We need to see what Real Madrid want and make a joint decision."

Ødegaard: "I do not want this summer to pan out like last summer. It was a very good year; I took big steps and I grew more in my game. Now I want to go on vacation, but I do not want summer to repeat itself, it was not good for me."

Ødegaard: "Real Madrid is very happy with me but its difficult to play there, probably will be the case next season too. They've sold many with a repurchase clause, I don't care much, I just want to go somewhere where I have the opportunity to play & a coach who believes in you.”

Cadena SER: Ødegaard has an offer from Leverkusen.

Bayer Leverkusen chief Simon Rolfes: "Ødegaard is an interesting player for us."

AD: Ajax, who saw Ødegaard as the perfect Ziyech successor, have conceded losing him to Leverkusen where Martin & his father were expected to land in Düsseldorf today.

TV2: It is still not yet known whether talks with Leverkusen will be for a loan move or transfer with a buy-back clause after Ødegaard, his father Hans Erik & agent Bjørn Tore Kvarme arrived in Germany.

COPE: Real Madrid & Ødegaard are debating between Leverkusen & Sociedad.

Noticias de Guipúzcoa: Ødegaard in San Sebastián.

To presumably examine Sociedad’s setup and hear their offer.

AS: With permission from Real Madrid, Ødegaard visited both facilities of Leverkusen & Sociedad in the last 2 days. Bayer 04 with UCL football are leading the chase.

MARCA: Ødegaard has two options in front of him as he could spent the 2019/20 season at Real Sociedad or at Bayer Leverkusen. The player is believed to prefer La Real who want him on loan.

Sociedad president Aperribay: "We've been in talks with Ødegaard for 2-3 months. We think he's got lots of talent and can compliment our squad, so we hope he comes. We'll see if Martin & Madrid want to. There's still been no conversation with Madrid for Ødegaard nor Mayoral yet."

ABC: Ødegaard will be at either Sociedad or Leverkusen next season. Real Madrid has given him the freedom to choose.

AS: Ødegaard is set to go on loan for a further 2 years, with no purchase option. Before he decides where he want to go, Martin will renew with Real Madrid.

MARCA: Ødegaard will join Sociedad on a two-year loan whilst also extending his contract at Real Madrid from 2021 to 2023.

See you after one year from Sociedad.

Ødegaard: "It's true that I had other options but Real Sociedad believes in young players and that's perfect for me. I took the decision and Real Madrid allowed me to, for my own good and for the good of my career, my plan is to be here for two years."

Ødegaard & Co. Sociedad presentation day.

Ødegaard: "My goal is to succeed at Real Sociedad and one day play at Real Madrid."

Ødegaard: "I had UCL/UEL options but for me the most important thing was to feel comfortable in my new team, with the coach, with the project. That's why I chose Sociedad. Madrid pressure? They obviously told me which clubs were interested but the decision was left to me."

Ø: "A very special moment, a dream come true. I knew I was going to debut in the last 30mins. Replacing CR7 was spectacular. A great experience to train with the best players, see how they worked, look at every detail & improve. Amazing at 16 to be with the best in the world!"

Your loan was announced for 1-year but at Sociedad they say it's 2.

Ø: "The idea is for 2yrs. I have a contract with Real Madrid, I have extended it before coming here, and my goal is to play one day at Real Madrid. Of course I dream of playing someday in Real Madrid."

Ø: "I needed to play and these years in Holland have been very good. Real Madrid watched my games closely. Its a big step to go playing Holland to Madrid, where it is very difficult, because there are many very good players. Coming to the Sociead can be a good step."

Ødegaard: "Zidane is a great coach. His work at the head of the first team, winning 3 UCLs is exceptional. And, in the B team, I learned a lot from him. THAT is one of the reasons why I renewed with Real Madrid. Zidane also played in my position. It is very special for me."

Will Real Madrid overcome Cristiano's loss & win titles again?

Ø: "It is true that it is difficult to replace a player like him & maybe not possible to find another like him but Zidane has returned, they have signed great players and I hope it will be a good year for them."

MARCA: Ødegaard renewed with Real Madrid until 2023. He will stay on loan at Sociedad until 2021 unless there's a change in plan.

Classy Ø

AS: Ødegaard is under contract at Sociedad 1 season + option of a 2nd which is not written into the contract but is an act of faith between the clubs who have an excellent relationship. If Real Madrid want Ødegaard back for the 2020-21 season, there won't be any problem.

Ødegaard: "Towards the end of last season I felt it wasn't the right time for me to return to Madrid. For younger players it is very important to have game-time in Madrid, I think it was very difficult to get it there as there are many good players & competition is a lot."

Ødegaard: "It was obvious that it was better for me to ask for a new loan, which Real Madrid also accepted. That's what we decided. I'm having a great time at Sociedad. Everything is fine. I feel at home. People & players very friendly. The manager has also helped me a lot."

Ødegaard: "My goal is still to play for Real Madrid. I want to play there someday. This is the place to be. I feel like I've improved in the last 2yrs. I think I'm a better player & I'm more mature, older and a little stronger. I feel better now than when I first came to Spain."

AS: Ødegaard was looking for a long-term loan, which would allow him to progress calmly and not with the haste. He requested Madrid a loan for 2 seasons. It was his requirement, not an offer from Madrid or Sociedad. Real Madrid granted his request with a 2nd optional year.

AS: Ødegaard is a professional from top to bottom. His plan is to prepare, work and deliver for 2 seasons at Sociedad without having to worry about Real Madrid at the end of each season. He wants to complete himself as a player before returning back home to play at Real Madrid.

Real Madrid director Butragueno on Ødegaard

MARCA: Real Madrid impressed with Ødegaard but their long-term strategy for him remains unchanged. There is no January recall happening. RM respect their agreement + continuity. The plan is to bring him back for next season but Martin himself wants to know what his role would be.

Ødegaard: "I'm happy here for the moment. I'm going to stay here for two years and then we'll see. My goal is to play for Madrid, but now La Real is the right place for me. It's my dream to play for Madrid, it's what I hope to do, so in ten years I hope to be at Real Madrid."

Ødegaard: "Real Madrid will always sign players. It's important for the club and it's normal. Competition is always a good thing because they want to be the best team in the world."

Ødegaard: "I'm under contract at Real Madrid. They occasionally write to me - they tell me how they see me getting on Now they congratulate me for the good start I've had in LaLiga, and they've told me they're very happy with what they've seen."

Ødegaard: "The idea is to respect my contract and the loan agreement with Real Sociedad. I have a loan contract with Real Sociedad and I'm very happy to be part of the team. That's how I'd like it to stay until the loan comes to an end."

Ødegaard: "Real Sociedad and their coaching staff are the ones who are showing me the way. They are the ones who are teaching me the tactical side of the game and how I can improve."

Ødegaard: "My time in Castilla strengthened me mentally."

Ødegaard with AS.

Ødegaard: "I'm at Sociedad for 2yrs & very happy here. I've changed a lot and it's not good to do it too much. My plan is to stay here for two years, but it depends on a lot of things. I train, gym & spend the rest of my time thinking about football. I rarely leave my home."

Ødegaard: "I went to Madrid because I was going to train with the 1st team, with the best players in the world & to play in Castilla, with Zidane as a coach. He helped me a lot & has always been important but the most important is the plan they have for me, that's why I renewed."

Ødegaard: "I don’t mind hearing negative criticism about me. When I joined Real Madrid I faced heavy criticism. Perhaps very heavy criticism. I don’t care much about being in front pages of the newspapers. I just do my job. You draw so much attention, especially here in Spain."

Ødegaard: "Two seasons loan at Sociedad is very positive for me and allows me to be more calm and focused on improving my game. Important to play minutes. I want some stability, it’s hard when you change clubs and countries every season."

Dream of returning to Real Madrid?

Ødegaard: "Its my goal.. To succeed there. That's why I signed, to play there. But now I'm very happy at Sociedad & won't rush. If I play in 2-5yrs at Madrid, it doesn't matter. Time does not matter to me. But one day I want to play in Madrid."

Your most comfortable position?

Ødegaard: "In the midfield, a little higher to the right. It is my favorite position. In Holland I played on the right wing and it is similar, but a little more towards the middle. I can have more touches of the ball and that is what I like."

Ødegaard: "I don't want to compare with Vinicius or Rodrygo. I know they have a lot of quality. Both are very good & ready to play now. [Player reference?] I love David Silva. Because he plays in my position. I've seen a lot of his game, because he has a style similar to mine."

Best player in the world?

Ødegaard sighs: "Very difficult. Cristiano & Messi. Both."

And behind them who do you see to take over?

Ødegaard: "I think Mbappé is there. Hazard, Modric, Neymar ... there are many behind them. But Cristiano & Messi are from another level."

Will you celebrate if you score vs Madrid?
Ødegaard: "No."

Why?
Ødegaard: "Because I belong to that team. Out of respect."

And if you score vs Sociedad with Madrid in future?
Ødegaard: "Nor then."

Who do you want to win LaLiga (apart from Sociedad)?
Ødegaard: "Real Madrid."

Do you have any contact with Real Madrid?

Ødegaard: "Yes, I talk sometimes with people from the club. Not directly with Zidane or the president."

Good relationship in RMCF's team is with?

Ødegaard: "Fede. We talk sometimes. Good person/player & important for them in midfield."

Some more from Ødegaard on the El Larguero show.

Ødegaard: "If I score at the Bernabeu, I won't celebrate, out of respect. If I score for Real Madrid against La Real one day, I won't either. Against Heerenveen and Vitesse? Yes [I will celebrate]."

AS: Ødegaard will return in June 2020. Real Madrid has decided to bring him to spearhead their Remove & Renew plan. The Norwegian has another year in his Sociedad loan deal but the good relationship between clubs will pave the way for his return.

AS: Madrid will need to pay Sociedad €4m to break the 2 year loan agreement to bring Ødegaard back next summer. RM would hope this be reduced or waived or some rumors suggest loan them Kubo for a year. HOWEVER, sources from Sociedad say Real Madrid have NOT approached them yet.

MARCA: Real Madrid will NOT have to pay to bring Ødegaard back in the summer of 2020 because no such penalty was written into their loan agreement with Sociedad. As of now, no decision has been made on Martin yet.

Ødegaard: "That's the plan [a two-year loan stay at Sociedad], it hasn't changed. I'm very happy here. However, I'm only focusing on the day-to-day at this moment."

MARCA: Madrid see Ødegaard as the natural successor to Modric who will turn 35 in Sept & is contracted until 2021. If he decides to accept Inter Miami's offer that doubles his salary to around €10m net, Real will allow him to depart. Final decision to return in Martin's hands.

President of Sociedad, Aperribay: "Odegaard is very happy after yesterday's game against Madrid. We're going to focus on the here and now for the moment; his future is an issue for another day. [But] there's zero chance of him going to Real Madrid [at the end of the season]."

Sociedad president Aperribay: "I'm confident the agreement we have is going to be fulfilled. The player belongs to Real Madrid. If they asked to talk, we'd all have to sit down and listen. But they are a gentlemanly club, we expect Odegaard to be with us for two years."

AS: Real Madrid will have the last word on Ødegaard as they aren't bound by any financial penalty if his loan move isn't extended by a year. They will tell Martin their plans but will still leave the final choice to him.

Ødegaard: "I am excited about the UCL. Playing against the best teams in the world is something great for a player and a dream for me. But there are very good teams in the fight. Will I play in it with Sociedad? I have always said that the plan is to play 2 years here."

You think Ødegaard will help carry Sociedad to a UCL spot and not want to play another season in it with them? I can see a sense of pride and accomplishment in it that he hasn't felt, probably, ever. He has a mature head on his shoulders and all I know is a happy Ø is a good Ø.

AS: Madrid-Sociedad agreement was a loan for two seasons. Zidane wanted him back this summer for which Real would've have to renegotiate. Some also believed another year would be ideal for Martin. But Sociedad fear the coronavirus financial crisis might change things.

AS: Modric’s decision to stay until 2021 doesn’t alter the plan. Ødegaard has a place in the squad next season but it will be Martin who decides & Real Madrid will respect it. Sociedad paid €2m for a 1 season loan & 2nd year option was never formalised verbally or in writing.

Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe on Ødegaard staying for another season:

MARCA: The Ødegaard puzzle. The Norwegian wants to play and he senses that it'll be difficult. Sociedad concerned.

Sociedad manager Imanol: "I'm not worried. There's no doubt Ødegaard makes the difference. The kid still wants to be here. He's very happy here. He knows that he's had a year of growth and that, after another season, he'd be much more prepared to make the next step."

Sociedad manager Imanol: "We know that Ødegaard's super happy at La Real and in San Sebastian and, watching the work of the team a bit, we're all looking forward to ending this season well and playing more important competitions next season and that could be key."

Sociedad president Aperribay: "We're very hopeful that Ødegaard will continue with us, but we also can't pull the wool over our eyes."

Sociedad president Aperribay: "I think Ødegaard is going to stay, that's the hope we have, but it depends on the will of the player and that of Real Madrid. If he is to stay here, then he has to do so whilst being convinced it's the best option for him."

Sociedad president Aperribay: "Ødegaard knows what we want, and Real Madrid do too. He agreed to come for two years, but in LaLiga you can't make loans for two years; the player has to activate the second year."

Sociedad manager Imanol on Ødegaard's future:

AS: Real Madrid have more or less decided that Ødegaard will remain at Sociedad for another season until June 2021 unless anything unexpected happens in the meantime such as injuries. The coronavirus crisis has meant that the club has had to delay their plans to renew the squad.

MARCA: It was thought that Ødegaard could return to Real Madrid this summer in the event that Modric departs, which seems unlikely and so Martin will remain at Sociedad for a second campaign.

MARCA: The Ødegaard-Sociedad loan was planned to be for 2 years. However, the contract was legally and administratively only for a one-year loan as a two-year loan contract isn't permitted in Spain. As such, a fresh agreement will have to be put into writing for another season.

MARCA: Ødegaard decision after the UCL. Real Madrid directors & staff happy with him but he wants to play & for that right now means being loaned out again with Sociedad the likeliest destination.

Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

MARCA: Ødegaard's intention has always been clear to return as a starter not a sub. Real Madrid is calm because Modric has shown you can't doubt him. Martin understands another season on loan at a team in Europe will only make him better to fill Luka's deep boots. Win for both.

AS: A dramatic shift. Just when everything was set for Ødegaard to continue at Sociedad on loan for another season, Zidane told Florentino he wants him back. Perez has informed Sociedad's president Aperribay. Real Madrid has spoken to Martin directly & summoned him on 14th August

AS: Ødegaard won't be able to have a normal preseason since he's still dragging a right knee injury. The objective has been to avoid surgery to solve the patellar tendinopathy that he suffers. Real Madrid medical services have monitored his treatment every step of the way.

MARCA: It was Zidane who expressly told Florentino to get Ødegaard back for next season. Now the next course of action depends on his right knee injury.

Cadena SER: Real Madrid intended to keep their word and let Martin stay at Sociedad for another year but Zidane wanted Ødegaard now and didn't want to wait for another season. Real Madrid sealed his return without anything official & rest will be finalized this week.

COPE: Zidane requested Ødegaard return because he think Martin is now ready & essential to reinforce the midfield.

MARCA: Ødegaard sees the moment he's been dreaming of since he was 15. Now the time has come. Martin feels empowered, excited & ready to face the challenge of the Real Madrid dressing room. He had only words of gratitude for Sociedad. It was either them or returning to Madrid.

Onda Cero: Real Madrid had never assured to anyone that Ødegaard that he'd be staying another season at Sociedad. Martin hallucinated when he received Zidane's phone call & wasn't expecting it at all. Sociedad now seeking a replacement & considering Oscar Rodriguez & Rafinha.

AS: Ødegaard returns as a luxury reinforcement. Real Madrid recovers the Norwegian at the express wish of Zidane, who spoke with him yesterday. Sociedad had summoned Martin on Friday to start their preseason.

https://twitter.com/RealSociedadEN/status/1293579245436850177?s=20

Ø: "It's been a pleasure & pride to wear this shirt. I've enjoyed it from the 1st day until the last & we've had some great moments together. La Real will always have a special place in my heart. Thank u for everything & all the best for a future that I'm sure will be beautiful."

MARCA: Ødegaard's knee injury, diagnosed as patellar tendonitis, is now in the hands of Madrid's medical staff, headed by Dr. Niko Mihic who have been in contact with Sociedad since his problem started. Both clubs decided on conservative treatment which yielded expected results.

AS: Ødegaard is focused on convincing Zidane he deserves to start at Real Madrid 2020-21, to the point that he is using his vacation to work physically at the High Performance Center of Sierra Nevada, with the aim of reaching the first day of the preseason in the best conditions.

MARCA: Ødegaard at Valdebebas undergoing medical examination on his right knee.

AS: Ødegaard won't be called up for Norway. He wants to start his preseason with Real Madrid. His right knee is still causing him discomfort. He's improved but not 100% yet.

AS: The Galactico of the new normal - Ødegaard breaks into Real Madrid's 2020-21 first team, 5 years after his arrival at the club, as he returns to preseason training.