Mikel Arteta insists there is “no doubt” Martin Odegaard still deserves the Arsenal captaincy despite former captain Tony Adams calling for him to be stripped of the role.
Speaking at an Irish Independent Sport event in Dublin, Adams called on the Gunners manager to make changes ahead of the new season, saying “real player” Declan Rice was ideal for the job.
Arteta strongly disagreed with that view, confirming that Odegaard has the full support of all members of the club.
“My views are clear,” Arteta said, “and it's not just my views. It's the views of the entire coaching staff and, in particular, the players.”
I asked them to vote for a captain and yesterday I got the results. By a huge margin, 100 miles apart, everyone voted for the same man, Martin Odegaard, which is the clearest evidence.
“They are thinking about who should be their captain, defending the team, improving and winning the games we want to win, so I'm sure there's no doubt about that.”
Adams, quoted by the Irish Independent, said: “Sometimes as a manager you need to appoint someone who reflects you, represents the football club and can take you to the next level.
“You have a player who is going to be involved in every game throughout the season, who is going to inspire people to come and lay the foundations of a team that can win a title.
“Declan Rice can do it, Odegaard can't. Come on, Arteta, make him captain. I think he's better than Odegaard. I'm convinced he's a winner. As a player, he's a real find.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
