Carlo Ancelotti: 'Martin Odegaard symbolises the future of Real Madrid'

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has called for calm over the signing of Martin Odegaard, claiming that the Norwegian youngster is very much one for the future.

The 16-year-old secured a "dream" move to the Bernabeu earlier this week having reportedly turned down an array of Europe's elite clubs, including Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Manchester United.

Having won the race to sign the highly sought-after attacking midfielder, Ancelotti has outlined his future plans for Madrid's latest recruit, which include initially building up experience in the reserve side.

"Martin is a very young and really quality player," the Italian is quoted as saying by FourFourTwo. "We are very glad we have him as we really wanted to sign him.

"We trust he will have a great future here and what happens next is that we will take it easy. He will practice with the first team and then will play with Castilla - this will be coordinated with [Zinedine] Zidane.

"Everybody is happy he decided to come to Real. Odegaard symbolises the future of this team. He has a great future ahead and is a very important signing. It's great to have a young and skilled player."

Odegaard, who already has three international caps to his name for Norway, is said to be earning £80,000 a week at his new club despite turning 16 just last month.