Soccer

Norway call up 15-year-old sensation Martin Odegaard for UAE friendly

Talented midfielder is already on the radar of all of Europe’s top clubs

Norway have called up 15-year-old Stromsgodset midfielder Martin Odegaard for their friendly against the United Arab Emirates on August 27th in Stavanger. Odegaard has already took part in training sessions with Manchester United and Bayern Munich. Photograph: Vegard Grott/EPA
Norway have called up 15-year-old Stromsgodset midfielder Martin Odegaard for their friendly against the United Arab Emirates on August 27th in Stavanger. Odegaard has already took part in training sessions with Manchester United and Bayern Munich. Photograph: Vegard Grott/EPA
Tue Aug 19 2014 - 17:29

Fifteen-year-old Martin Odegaard has been called up to the senior Norway squad for the friendly against the United Arab Emirates on August 27.

The Stromsgodset midfielder will become Norway’s youngest ever international if he appears in the match in Stavanger. He will be 15 years and 253 days old on the day of the game.

Odegaard, who was not even born the last time Norway qualified for the World Cup, in 1998 in France, has scored three goals in 14 games for his club side.

“This is a dream come true. I was shocked and the call came as a surprise, but I was of course very happy,” he said on the Norwegian Football Association website, www.fotball.no.

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“That’s what I’ve dreamed about since I was little. I have looked up to these players and it is really great to be able to team up with them. I am incredibly proud to be able to represent my country.”

Odegaard has attracted interest from most of Europe’s major clubs and has already took part in training sessions with Manchester United and Bayern Munich. Manchester City and Barcelona are also believed to be looking at the player.