Arsenal star hits back at club legend after being told he 'won't win the league'

Martin Odegaard was named Arsenal captain in 2022 (Photo: Getty)

Martin Odegaard says he ‘doesn’t care’ about Tony Adams’ criticism after the Arsenal legend called for him to be stripped of the captaincy.

Mikel Arteta named Odegaard club captain in 2022, with the Gunners finishing as Premier League runners-up in the three seasons since.

While initially widely-praised for his leadership, the 26-year-old has come under increasing criticism especially after an underwhelming return last season.

Adams has lead calls for the armband to be handed over to Declan Rice, arguing it will give Arsenal an edge in the title race and relieve pressure off Odegaard.

‘I think Declan is my kind of captain, and it might free Odegaard up to play with a bit more freedom,’ the legendary Arsenal skipper said in August.

‘Every now and again as a manager, you have to put someone who reflects you, who reflects the football club that you think can actually take you to the next level.

‘And I’m seeing Declan Rice as a captain but I’m saying to Arteta: Come on, step up now. It’s your time to be a winning manager and a fantastic manager, because you’re not going to win the league with Odegaard as captain.’

Tony Adams captained Arsenal from 1988 to 2002, winning three league titles (Photo: Getty)

Odegaard, who also captains Norway, has previously defended his captaincy style before but has now hit back at Adams directly when asked about the criticism while on international duty.

‘I don’t care that much, to be honest,’ the attacking midfielder said in a press conference ahead of Norway’s World Cup qualifier against Moldova on Tuesday night.

‘Everyone can have their opinion and say what they want, and I’m all right with that. I can’t care about what everyone says.

‘There’s a lot of negative and positive things to say, but I can’t let it affect me. That’s what I’ve thought throughout my career.’

Arteta previously revealed that the Arsenal squad had held a vote over the summer to help decide who should be captain, which he claims Odegaard won ‘by a mile’ .

‘That’s right, we voted for it,’ the player added.

‘Ultimately, it was his [Arteta’s] choice anyway. But it was a nice confirmation for me.’

Odegaard will get a chance to prove his doubters wrong when Arsenal host Nottingham Forest on Saturday.