Arsenal confirmed Martin Odegaard as the club's new captain ahead of the 2022/23 season as the Gunners lifted the Emirates Cup following a 6-0 win over Sevilla.
Odegaard already captains his country at international level and now the 23-year-old will assume the same role for the Gunners. Mikel Arteta opted for Odegaard as the club's new captain after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was stripped of the armband last year before moving to Barcelona in January.
Arsenal's new £45million striker Gabriel Jesus put on a brilliant show as the Brazilian bagged a hat-trick, with Bukayo Saka scoring twice and Eddie Nketiah adding a sixth goal just minutes before the end of the game. Odegaard also caught the fans' eyes following the game with a kind gesture after lifting the Emirates Cup.
READ MORE: Martin Odegaard's first words after being named Arsenal captain following 6-0 Sevilla drubbing
Arsenal finished their pre-season schedule with a fabulous win over La Liga side Sevilla at the Emirates Stadium. Martin Odegaard showed his appreciation for the fans as he handed his shirt to a young supporter in the crowd.
Talking after the game, the 23-year-old said: "I think from the start we were really switched on. We want to get a good feeling before the league starts so I think we did well and it was nice to play in front of the fans again here at the Emirates, so it was a nice day.
"Of course it’s a big moment for me and I’m very proud to be captain of this fantastic football club. Yeah, a big day for me."
Odegaard commented on the announcement that he will take the club captaincy ahead of the 2022/23 season, as well as previewing the Gunners' Premier League opener against Crystal Palace next Friday. "Of course I was happy, proud and grateful for the trust and for him wanting me to be the captain," the Norwegian added.
"That’s a big achievement for me and it’s nice to be part of such a good team, so I’m going to enjoy that. We’ve been waiting for that [match against Palace] one for a while. We are looking forward to starting again, its always nice to get back to playing important games again, so its going to be nice and hopefully we can get a good start."
Have you been following England's progress to the final of the Women's Euros? Been cheering on Lionesses captain Leah Williamson, tournament joint-top scorer Beth Mead and the other Arsenal players taking part?
Then why not take the opportunity to purchase the official matchday programme for Sunday's final between England and Germany at Wembley?
Click here to find out how you can get hold of your copy!
READ NEXT:
Arsenal player ratings vs Sevilla: Gabriel Jesus the hat-trick hero, Saliba and Martinelli shine
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Emirates Stadium
Full Arsenal Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Arsenal half-time player ratings vs Sevilla: Gabriel Jesus superb, Odegaard and Saka sensational
What Arsenal defender William Saliba did vs Sevilla as Gunners dominate Emirates Cup clash