Big things are expected of Real Madrid star Martin Odegaard, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he must ditch his Dad to fulfil his potential.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has told Real Madrid starlet Martin Odegaard he must “become a man” and escape the guidance of his father if he wants to become a success.
Odegaard, still just 16 years old, moved to the Santiago Bernabeu from Stromsgodset in January, after being courted by a host of top European sides, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Liverpool.
The midfielder went head-to-head with Ibrahimovic in an international friendly on Monday as their respective nations, Norway and Sweden, played out a 0-0 draw in Oslo.
Ibrahimovic was asked about the hosts’ teenage sensation aftewards and had some strong words of advice for the prodigy.
“It’s not easy to say, but he has a father that controls everything completely,” the striker told Swedish paper Aftonbladet.
“First, he must grow up and become a man and then get rid of his father.”
Ibrahimovic did praise the youngster’s showing in Oslo, though.
“He did well, played straightforward and didn’t lose many balls,” the attacker added. “He has a long time to get even better. It’s good that he’s already playing for his country.”