Mikel Arteta has now addressed some big news concerning one of his Arsenal players away from the pitch.
In the midst of still playing for the Gunners week in, week out, Martin Odegaard became a father for the first time in recent days.
The Arsenal captain shared the news of his baby boy being born on December 1st on Instagram.
The Norwegian playmaker was straight back to work though, as he started against Fulham on Sunday and is expected to lead the Arsenal team out for their Champions League clash against Monaco on Wednesday evening.
Mikel Arteta on Martin Odegaard becoming a father
Whilst his focus will be fixed on this continental showdown against Monaco, Mikel Arteta was still able to spare a word for Odegaard in his pre-match press conference.
As quoted by the official Arsenal website, the Spanish coach said: “I’m so proud to see them growing in our club and around our people and making them feel happy that this is the right environment for them to grow as a person, as a football player and as a father in this case, and I’m really happy to have this great news in the team.”
Arteta has made efforts make the Arsenal players’ families feel integrated and part of the club, by inviting them on team trips to training camps abroad, for instance. As such, Odegaard can rely upon his manager to be supportive at this time.
Arsenal captain discusses family milestone
The midfielder also spoke publicly about his experience of becoming a parent.
As quoted by Football.London, Odegaard said: “I think having a baby is the biggest gift and most beautiful thing in life. That will take your mind off everything else when you’re there in that moment.”
Odegaard has been praised for his leadership skills at Arsenal. Those qualities will now be put to a new test in his life away from the pitch.
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