In a candid interview, Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard talks about the emotional and mental struggles of the past season, his rejuvenation during the summer, and his maturation in coping with the pressures of top-level football.

• Martin Ødegaard opens up about the mental and emotional challenges he faced last season.
• The Arsenal midfielder details how he rejuvenated himself during the summer break.
• Ødegaard emphasises his growth in handling the pressures of top-level football.

In an exclusive interview with TV 2 in his native Norway, Arsenal star Martin Ødegaard has revealed the mental toll he endured during the last season and how he managed to rejuvenate himself during the summer break.

The talented midfielder, who has become a pivotal figure in Mikel Arteta‘s Arsenal squad, admitted that the conclusion of the previous campaign left a considerable weight on his shoulders.

Ødegaard not only had to grapple with the disappointment of Arsenal’s near-miss in the title race but also faced the challenge of representing his country on the international stage.

Last season, Ødegaard was a integral to Arsenal’s title pursuit, earning praise as the team’s captain and chief playmaker.

Arsenal came tantalisingly close to securing the Premier League crown but ultimately fell short as Manchester City surged ahead to clinch the treble.

Reflecting on that season, Ødegaard said, “The whole ending, first with the club and then with the national team, was difficult. I had a good season, a lot of good things happened, but when you finish like that, it becomes extra heavy.”

He continued, “I felt I was very tired after the season. I needed a break, needed to disconnect and do completely different things. The sum of both the club season and what happened here made it an even more tired body and a tired head that needed a holiday.”

Despite the emotional toll, Ødegaard, now a more experienced player, emphasised how he has evolved in handling the pressures of top-level football. “When I was younger, I felt that I could get very caught up in everything that happens. Battles could affect me for a long time. Now that I’ve gotten a little older, I feel like I’m able to come home, do other things and shut it out.”

As Ødegaard reunites with his international teammates during the current international break, he seems to have found the equilibrium needed to continue thriving both at Arsenal and on the global stage.

His candid revelations provide insight into the mental fortitude required to succeed in the demanding world of professional football.

Arsenal fans will undoubtedly be eager to see Ødegaard back on the pitch, where his skills and newfound resilience could play a crucial role in the Gunners’ pursuit of silverware in the new season.