Cesc Fabregas applauded Martin Odegaard on Instagram, whilst Mat Ryan wished him ‘all the best’ after he was named Arsenal’s new captain.
The 23-year-old posted on social media about Arsenal’s ‘perfect’ way to end pre-season, after they smashed Sevilla 6-0 in a pre-season friendly, as well as being ‘very proud’ to don the club’s armband ahead of the new Premier League season.
Mikel Arteta handed that key role to Odegaard on Saturday, hours before they played their final pre-season game of the summer.
Whilst it was an unofficial game, it was a great way to start things off for the Norway star, who will now have a lot of pressure on his shoulders.
Nonetheless, when Odegaard expressed his delight on his IG at being named the new skipper, Fabregas, who also held the same role at a young age at the Emirates, responded by posting clapping emojis in the comments section.
Whilst former goalkeeper, Mat Ryan, added ‘All the best to you and the boys, skip’.
THE RIGHT CALL FROM ARTETA
There were a number of candidates for the role, from Kieran Tierney to a possible return for a certain Granit Xhaka.
Now, whilst Xhaka’s relationship with the fans has been repaired since that infamous day against Crystal Palace, that call would have been pretty controversial and the hard-hitting midfielder is better of being a leader, on and off the field, without the armband.
Kieran Tierney was another option, but the left-back’s issue, which is clear right now, is that he just can’t seem to stay out of the treatment room.
Either one of Arsenal’s centre-backs, including Gabriel, were in with a shout, as well as their ever-so-popular goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale.
But, in the end, the right call was made by Arteta, with Odegaard also having past experiences of leading a team out for Norway.
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