Martin Odegaard: Arsenal Captain Speaks After Rodri’s Horror Tackle During Spain v Norway

• Martin Odegaard became the captain of both his national team and club at 23
• Odegaard led his team in the Euro 2024 qualifier game against European heavyweight Spain
• The Arsenal star was a subject of a horror tackle from Manchester City midfielder Rodri

Martin Odegaard became the captain of this national team and club at the age of 23. A feat not many past and present footballers can boast of.

He is leading Arsenal's Premier League charge for their first title since 2004 Invincible. He is also saddled with the task of helping Norway qualify for Euro 2024, having missed out on the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Gunners' main rival for the title are Manchester City, who have won four of the last five titles and are aiming for the fifth under Pep Guardiola.

Odegaard came up against one of City's key players, Rodri, when he led his country to face Spain in a 3-0 loss and escaped a nasty injury after a horror tackle from the midfielder.

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Odegaard speaks on Rodri's tackle

The captain was not pleased with the lunge on his ankle and the fact that no penalty was given, and Rodri escaped any form of punishment.

''I’m pretty sure I should have had a penalty. He’s coming with his studs right on my ankle. But I’m sure I’ll get punished [if I say anymore]. I don’t bother saying anything else about the referee. It’s better not to say anything,'' he told TV2.

Arsenal fans fume at Rodri

Odegaard is one of Arsenal's best players this season and is the creative spark in Mikel Arteta's midfield and losing him could create a hole in the team.

Sports Brief reported that fans postulated a theory that Rodri was sent to injure their player so Manchester City could have an edge in the title race and were not pleased with the tackle more than the decision of the referee not to award a penalty.

Arsenal will welcome Leeds to the Emirates after the break as they hope to maintain their eight points lead over Manchester City, who face Liverpool.