Arsenal skipper Martin Ødegaard has dismissed recent criticism over his suitability as club captain, emphasizing that he remains focused on leading the team with the full backing of his teammates. Speaking at Norway’s pre-match press conference ahead of their UEFA Euro 2026 qualifier against Moldova (scheduled for September 10), Ødegaard addressed doubts raised by former Gunners legend Tony Adams, who publicly advocated for Declan Rice to replace him as captain.
"I honestly don’t care," Ødegaard stated firmly. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and they can say whatever they want. I have no problem with that. I can’t let external noise affect me—whether it’s positive or negative. That’s been my mindset throughout my career.”
The 26-year-old’s resolve was bolstered by manager Mikel Arteta, who revealed that Ødegaard had won a 队内 vote ‘by a mile’ to retain the captaincy for the 2025/26 season. "We held a vote, and while the final decision was mine, the overwhelming support from the players and staff was a powerful endorsement," Arteta explained. “His leadership, both on and off the pitch, reflects the values of this club.”
Ødegaard, who has captained Norway since March 2021 and Arsenal since 2022, highlighted the importance of team unity: "The vote was a nice confirmation, but ultimately, it’s about how we perform together. The dressing room’s trust means everything."
