Odegaard's comments on Ronaldo after 'difficult to make friends' claim

Martin Odegaard has admitted it was "difficult to make friends" at Real Madrid but insists being around Cristiano Ronaldo was a great learning experience.

The Norwegian completed his permanent switch to Arsenal in the summer after a successful six-month loan spell last season.

The midfielder's excellent form has carried over into the new campaign and he has been instrumental in Arsenal's four-game unbeaten run to turn around their horror start to the Premier League season.

Odegaard was signed by Real Madrid as a teenager but never got his chance in the first team as he was sent out on loan on various occasions throughout his six-year period in Spain.

Martin Odegaard admits it was "difficult to make friends" at Real Madrid ( Image:

Real Madrid via Getty Images)

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And the Arsenal playmaker has opened up on his time at the Bernabeu and admits it was tough to feel settled and make friends at the club.

But Odegaard believes the experience of being around the likes of Ronaldo, who he will come up against this season with Manchester United, has helped him become a stronger player and person.

He told Norwegian outlet TV2: "There were many tough periods both with the first team and the second team.

Martin Odegaard celebrates with Emile Smith Rowe ( Image:

Reuters)

"But being around the best made me stronger. I feel that I have grown thanks to Madrid and I have learned from players like [Sergio] Ramos and Cristiano [Ronaldo].

"When you are at the highest level, it is not as easy to make friends and that kind of thing. At least not when you are young and come from somewhere else.

"I came from a different dressing room culture and it is not easy to fit into a changing room [like the one at Madrid]. It was difficult but it is something that has made me stronger and I am happy to have experienced it."