Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has backtracked on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard after previously claiming the Gunners captaincy would weigh heavy on the midfielder.
The 23-year-old Norway international was handed the armband on a permanent basis by boss Mikel Arteta at the start of this season. Odegaard shone last term as he came runner-up in Arsenal's in-house player of the season vote, but some, including Ferdinand, felt the added responsibility of being captain could hinder his performance.
Speaking after the Gunners' opening night victory away at Crystal Palace, one of Ferdinand's co-stars on his Vibe with Five claimed: "I reckon you nailed it with Odegaard, I reckon that captain's armband weighs heavy," referring to a claim the United legend made off-air.
He responded: "Yep! Heavy! I said that in the group chat. It could be a different Odegaard this year. I just worry about your central midfield."
On the contrary, Odegaard has been one of Arsenal's standout performers this term. The former Real Madrid man is currently the Gunners' leading goal-scorer and is already just one effort shy of equalling last season's overall tally of seven.
The 23-year-old was the match-winner in Arsenal's last outing before the World Cup break as Odegaard netted twice to hand the Gunners a vital 2-0 victory, which placed them five points ahead of nearest challengers Manchester City.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Can Odegaard go on to be one of Arsenal's best-ever captains? Comment below
Ferdinand has now U-turned on his August claims and highlighted how Odegaard is a specific example of how Arsenal have transformed themselves from Europa League regulars to title challengers.
"But right now they're ticking off those boxes. That game was one where they probably get beat 1-0 in years gone by. But I didn't have any doubts, I was thinking, 'When are they going to score?'
"And I was as pleased as anyone to see Odegaard be the man to step up and have that moment."
His prediction from earlier this season was put to him, with Ferdinand hitting back: "We've got technical people behind the scenes, can you get that clip up and show what I actually said, I said it could be something that weighs heavy on him.
"Whether or not it happens, I didn't say it would. I said it could. I hoped it wouldn't, but it could.
"One thing you can't question with this kid is that he's been a child superstar, we've known about him since he was probably 13 or 14 years old. He is delivering right now, as captain of Arsenal football club."
