Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard admits he avoided watching Manchester City's treble celebrations as he is still stinging from their title defeat.
The City players and staff partied for several days after beating Inter Milan 1-0 in the Champions League final on Saturday. A first European honour capped off an historic campaign in which the Blues became just the second English side to win the treble, having won the Premier League and FA Cup already.
Pep Guardiola's side spent much of the league season behind Arsenal, who enjoyed an outstanding spell of form before losing their way in April and ultimately falling short.
Odegaard joined up with his Norway squad for international duty earlier this month, where he reunited with compatriot Erling Haaland once the City striker had recovered from what will likely be a very sore head.
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But Haaland is not the only one likely still in pain, with Odegaard trying his best to avoid watching the celebrations after coming so close to glory himself.
"I've tried not to see so much of that stuff there, because it still stings," Odegaard said. "I try not to think too much about it. Even though we delivered a very good season for a long time, I am left with a sour feeling."
Haaland is among a number of City players who joined up with their national sides a little late, following a week of wild celebrations. English quintet Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, John Stones, Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips joined up with Gareth Southgate's squad on Tuesday evening, albeit none are expected to feature when the Three Lions face Malta this evening.
Speaking ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifier, Southgate warned his players not to cross the line and admitted he has spoken with the Blues group to ensure they are in the right frame of mind to play.
The Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League is the ultimate footballing achievement and you can get your hands on the only official souvenir publication of Manchester City's history-making 2022-23 season, packed with amazing pictures, match reports and reaction. Get your copy here!
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