Martin Odegaard: 'I met with Premier League clubs before joining Real Madrid'

Real Madrid prodigy Martin Odegaard has suggested that he turned down Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool before joining Los Blancos as a 16-year-old.

The rising Norwegian playmaker moved to Madrid from Stromsgodset earlier this year, and has since been playing much of his football with Real Madrid Castilla under the careful watch of the legendary Zinedine Zidane.

"I visited Liverpool, the two Manchester teams and they were all very nice but my choice was Real Madrid and I am very happy with that," said Odegaard, according to the Daily Mail.

"Madrid is very good. It is the best place if you want to become a better footballer.

"I have been given the No 10 shirt [at Castilla] and it is a big responsibility having that number but it is the one that I like and I am just going to enjoy it."

Odegaard has been included in Madrid's Champions League squad for the competition's upcoming group games.