Martin Odegaard Insists He ‘Doesn’t Care’ About Criticism from Arsenal Legend Tony Adams After Ex-Gunners Skipper Urged Mikel Arteta to Strip Midfielder of Captaincy
Martin Odegaard says he "doesn't care" about Arsenal legend Tony Adams' calls for him not to have the captain's armband.

Martin Odegaard Insists He ‘Doesn’t Care’ About Criticism from Arsenal Legend Tony Adams After Ex-Gunners Skipper Urged Mikel Arteta to Strip Midfielder of Captaincy

What Happened Between Martin Odegaard and Tony Adams?

When Martin Odegaard was handed the Arsenal captaincy by Mikel Arteta, it felt like a natural fit. The Norwegian international had grown into the role on and off the pitch, becoming a symbol of Arteta’s young, ambitious Arsenal side. But not everyone was convinced.

Last month, Tony Adams, one of the club’s most iconic leaders and a man who lifted multiple league titles with the Gunners, publicly voiced his doubts. Adams suggested that Declan Rice should wear the armband instead, hinting that the England midfielder embodied the qualities of leadership more than Odegaard.

Naturally, the comments sparked debate. Was Adams right to push for Rice, or was this a case of nostalgia clouding judgment? Now, Odegaard himself has finally addressed the remarks. And, true to his calm and measured personality, he was quick to brush them aside.

What Martin Odegaard Said About the Criticism

Martin Odegaard Mikel Arteta Tony Adams Arsenal

Martin Odegaard Mikel Arteta Tony Adams Arsenal

Speaking to reporters, Odegaard didn’t hold back but also didn’t lash out. His response was simple, almost casual:

“I don’t care that much, to be honest. 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.”

It was classic Odegaard — calm under pressure, composed in the face of criticism, and unwilling to get dragged into unnecessary drama. For a player who’s captaining a club of Arsenal’s stature, that attitude may be exactly what Arteta values most.

The Bigger Picture for Arsenal’s Season

The debate about who should captain Arsenal isn’t just about personalities — it’s about expectations. The Gunners are desperate to end their 21-year wait for a Premier League title. Odegaard, now 26 and in the prime of his career, will be at the heart of that push.

If he thrives, guiding Arsenal with both his performances and his leadership, then the noise around Adams’ comments will quickly fade. But if Arsenal stumble, or if Declan Rice grows into an even more commanding presence, the conversation could resurface — louder than before.

This season, therefore, feels like a defining one not just for Arsenal as a club, but for Odegaard as a captain.

Did You Know? Odegaard’s Journey to the Armband

Odegaard’s rise to Arsenal captain wasn’t inevitable. As a teenager, he was hailed as a prodigy after signing for Real Madrid at just 16 years old. But early expectations weighed heavy, and he bounced around on several loan spells before finally finding his footing in north London.

At Arsenal, he matured rapidly, becoming one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League. By the time Arteta made him captain, many inside the dressing room spoke of his professionalism, humility, and dedication.

For some, his leadership style is quiet, understated, and different from the vocal, hard-nosed approach of legends like Adams. But for others, that modern, steady approach is exactly what a young Arsenal side needs.

Tony Adams’ Perspective: A Leader From Another Era

It’s worth considering where Adams is coming from. As captain of Arsenal during the late ’80s and ’90s, he was the embodiment of grit and determination. Vocal in the dressing room, commanding on the pitch, and unafraid to confront teammates, referees, or opponents, he was very much the traditional English captain.

So when Adams calls for Rice — a natural communicator and England international — to wear the armband, he’s drawing from that old-school philosophy of leadership. It’s not necessarily that he doesn’t respect Odegaard, but rather that he views leadership through a different lens.

Football has changed, though. The modern captain doesn’t always need to shout the loudest. Sometimes, leading by example — through discipline, performances, and calm under pressure — carries just as much weight.

Arteta’s Loyalty to Odegaard

One thing is certain: Mikel Arteta is firmly in Odegaard’s corner. The Arsenal manager publicly backed his captain after Adams’ comments, emphasizing his belief that Odegaard is the right man for the job.

Arteta has built this Arsenal side in his own image: disciplined, detail-oriented, and resilient. Odegaard fits that mold perfectly. Stripping him of the captaincy now, just because of external pressure, would be completely out of character for the manager.

Instead, Arteta is doubling down on his choice, making it clear that he wants Odegaard to lead the club through this crucial campaign.

What’s Next for Odegaard and Arsenal?

Martin Odegaard Arsenal Champions League 2025

Martin Odegaard Arsenal Champions League 2025

Odegaard will now turn his attention back to the pitch. Before returning to Arsenal, he has a key role to play for Norway, who face Moldova in their next World Cup qualifier. But his focus will quickly shift back to the Premier League, where Arsenal face Nottingham Forest on Saturday following the international break.

That game offers Odegaard the perfect stage to silence any lingering doubts. A strong performance, perhaps capped with a goal or an assist, would reinforce his status as captain and quiet the noise.

The Importance of Blocking Out the Noise

If Odegaard’s comments revealed anything, it’s his mental strength. At a club like Arsenal, criticism comes with the territory. Every captain is judged, every decision is scrutinized, and every poor performance is magnified.

The fact that he can say he “doesn’t care” — and genuinely mean it — shows a maturity that perhaps isn’t appreciated enough. For a young side trying to handle the pressure of competing with Manchester City, Liverpool, and others, having a captain who doesn’t let outside voices distract him could prove invaluable.

Conclusion: Odegaard vs. Adams Is More About Philosophy Than Feud

At the end of the day, this isn’t a war of words. Martin Odegaard insists he doesn’t care about Tony Adams’ criticism, and in truth, he probably shouldn’t. Adams represents a different era, one where captains were warriors who led with fire and fury. Odegaard represents something else: a calmer, modern leader who inspires through consistency and composure.

For Arsenal, what matters most isn’t what Adams says or how Odegaard responds. What matters is whether the Gunners finally lift the Premier League trophy after more than two decades of waiting. If they do, Odegaard’s leadership will be celebrated, not questioned. If they don’t, the debate will rage on.

Either way, the Norwegian has made it clear: he’s not here to please critics. He’s here to play football, lead his team, and chase glory with Arsenal. And maybe, in today’s game, that’s exactly the kind of captain they need.

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