Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard says Manchester City’s Premier League title victory would “bother me for the rest of my life.”
Mikel Arteta’s team led for 248 days, but three consecutive draws in April, followed by a 4-1 defeat to City – and back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Nottingham Forest – saw the Gunners relinquish their hold on the title.
When asked about what went wrong for Arsenal at the conclusion of the season, Odegaard told Viaplay:
“It’s difficult, there are many things that come into play, of course.
“We competed against the team that has won it all, it was tight and even at the end, especially in the three games [that Arsenal drew], we lost momentum.
“There are so many things that can affect the season, we were close and we must use the disappointment to go closer.
“I think this will bother me for the rest of my life. We were very close, I almost managed to achieve my dream, I think it will be painful for the rest of my life but we have to try again next year.”
Despite the late collapse, Arsenal had some positives during a historic season. Odegaard was happy with his personal contribution, which included 15 goals and eight assists.
“This was a good season for me, I have delivered well and scored several goals,” Odegaard continued.
“I have been more important to the team; it’s been good but of course a tough end to the season which still hurts. So, I have mixed feelings.”
Arsenal has been connected with a number of players in an attempt to bolster their squad ahead of the new season, which begins on August 6 against Manchester City in the Community Shield.
West Ham are thought to have rejected offers for Declan Rice, while Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is apparently a target.
Source: Eurosport
