Martin Ødegaard 'frozen out by Zinedine Zidane for refusing to train' at Real Madrid

Ødegaard, 16, has been on the substitutes' bench for the past two games for Madrid's B side, Castilla.

He is refusing to train with his team-mates for the reserves due to a contract clause that allows the Norwegian teenager to train with the first team for five days a week, according to reports.

Ødegaard's conduct has not gone down well with reserve coach Zinedine Zidane or his team-mates. The player's parents have been contacted about the situation.

"On three occasions, Castilla’s coaching staff have called meetings with the player and his parent to explain the situation and advice him to attend Castilla’s training sessions on a more regular basis," says the report in AS.

"Yet neither Ødegaard nor his father seem to realize that changing tack and taking the advice they’ve been given on board is the right thing to do as the teenager’s progress with Castilla constitutes an essential part of his own development. Regrettably, some players have complained that the teenager 'can’t be bothered' with his Castilla team mates and is only interested in being alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

"It’s clear that his integration at Madrid would be much easier and far smoother with player of his own age. That’s something which Ødegaard should think about."

Ødegaard is paid a reported £80,000 per week after joining Madrid in a £2.3 million deal from Stromgodset.

Stories in Madrid papers AS and Marca are generally well-sourced - but they often carry more than a whiff of agenda. So this one is worth approaching with caution.

True, but he was away on international duty with Norway for the first match, not dropped.

Again true, but those wins came against Las Palmas II and Conquense, two of the worst teams in the division.

As the report acknowledges, Odegaard has a clause in his contract ensuring he trains with the senior squad. While it might be unwise, the player has every right to refuse to train with the reserves.

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