Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told Martin Odegaard to ‘be careful’ with his new shirt number following his Gunners unveiling.
The Norwegian became the club’s fourth addition of the window last week, joining on a permanent deal from Real Madrid having initially impressed on-loan last term.
Whilst Odegaard opted for the number 11 during his temporary spell as an Arsenal player, it was announced that he had a new number upon his return to the Emirates Stadium.
Penning a four-year deal in north London, Odegaard is now set to sport the number 8 shirt during the duration of his time with the club and Arteta had a simple instruction for his new midfielder when he was posing for press photographs.
In a behind-the-scenes video released by the club, the Spaniard said with a smile: “Be careful with that number!”
Of course, Arteta was referencing his own exemplary service whilst donning the number. Having joined the club from Everton mid-way through the 2011/12 season, he was instantly handed number 8.
Arteta went on to make 150 Arsenal appearances whilst wearing the shirt, and managed to score 16 goals. He was also part of the side that won two consecutive FA Cups under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger, a trophy he went on to win on his own head coach journey.
Away from Arteta, a number of further Arsenal icons have also been keepers of the number 8 shirt including Aaron Ramsey, Freddie Ljungberg, Ian Wright, Alan Smith and more. The most recent occupier was that of Dani Ceballos, who has since returned to Real Madrid.
Odegaard is not the only current Gunner to have opted for a change, with Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe having selected 5 and 10 respectively this campaign.
