Arsenal skipper Martin Odegard brushes Tony Adams’ captain criticism and Declan Ricepick – “Don’t be careful”

Odegard, 26, has been captain of Arsenal since the summer of 2022 and has also been a Norwegian skipper since March 2021.

But Adams, who captained the gunners for three league titles, said last month he thought Declan Rice should take over as skipper.

“To be honest, I don’t care that much,” Odegard said of Adams’ comments.

“Everyone can have their own opinions and say what they want. I’m fine with that. I don’t care what anyone says.

“There are a lot of negative and positive things to say, but I can’t influence me. That’s what I’ve been thinking throughout my career.”

“DeClan is my kind of captain, and what it might do is to free Martin Odegard to play with more freedom.

“There are people who play all the games and lay the foundations for the team that won the title. Declan Rice can do that. Odegard can’t. Come to Arteta and become the captain.”

Arteta revealed that Odegaard was an overwhelming choice to continue as captain before the season.

“My opinion is clear, and it’s not just my opinion, but all the staff and players in particular,” the Spanish coach said.

“I asked them to vote for Captain, and I got results yesterday. And in a mile, a big, 100 miles, everyone is choosing the same person. This is the most obvious sign you can have.

“It’s how they feel about who has to be captain to defend, improve, and win the games we want to win. So I don’t think I have any doubts about that.”

Arsenal began their Premier League season with two wins in three matches, losing to Liverpool before an international break.

Odegard, now remote from Norway, says the players’ votes were “a great confirmation.”

He added: “We voted for it. In the end, it was (Arteta’s) choice anyway. But that was a great confirmation for me.”

They will then face the UEFA Champions League opener and the Athletic Club on Tuesday, September 16th.