MX23RW : Friday, March 29 01:23:16| >> :120:4475:4475:

Martin Odegaard: 'I still have Real Madrid's confidence'

Norwegian youngster Martin Odegaard insists that Real Madrid 'still have confidence in him' despite a troubled time in the 18-year-old's career.

Martin Odegaard has insisted that Real Madrid 'still have confidence in him' despite a troubled time in the youngster's career.

Odegaard turned down a host of interest to join Real Madrid from Stromsgodset in 2015, and it is understood that the midfielder, who is still just 18, is on £80,000 a week at the Bernabeu.

He made his debut for Real Madrid on the final weekend of the 2014-15 campaign at the age of 16 years and 157 days, but was sent on loan to Dutch outfit Heerenveen in January in a bid to secure regular football.

The Norway international only managed one goal in 16 appearances for Heerenveen during the 2016-17 campaign, but Odegaard is confident that the loan stint, which will continue next season, will stand him in good stead.

"I had the opportunity to train with the best players in the world and the club still has faith in me," Odegaard told TV 2.

"They said that they would be monitoring how I am getting along and say that they still want to invest in me. I'm not speaking to [Zinedine] Zidane as often these days, but I chat regularly with the chief scout. They come to watch my games and follow me closely.

"It was my decision, but Real Madrid made all the arrangements for it to happen. It was my choice, because I wanted to play more. It was important for me to be playing at the top level.

"If I hadn't done it, I would have stayed in Madrid, where the daily training sessions were the best part for me. At the end of the season, it was agreed that I should stay another year here. I feel like I've made the right decision; I've joined a club which suits me, has a great history and promotes the development of young players."

Odegaard had been linked with the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United before penning a deal with Real Madrid.

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Martin Odegaard of Real Madrid Castilla takes on two Athletic Club B players during the Segunda Division B match against Athletic Club B on February 8, 2015
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid29226164204472
2Barcelona29197360342664
3GironaGirona29195559342562
4Athletic Bilbao29168550262456
5Atletico MadridAtletico29174854342055
6Real Sociedad291210742311146
7Real BetisBetis29101273433142
8Valencia28117103232040
9Villarreal29108114751-438
10Getafe2991193742-538
11Las PalmasLas Palmas29107122932-337
12Osasuna29106133343-1036
13AlavesAlaves2988132635-932
14Mallorca29612112535-1030
15Rayo Vallecano29611122538-1329
16Sevilla29610133644-828
17Celta Vigo2969143244-1227
18CadizCadiz29313132040-2022
19Granada2828183058-2814
20Almeria29110182857-2913


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