Erling Haaland’s progress has been earmarked over the past three weeks, following his newly begun Premier League season at Manchester City.
The Norwegian however has made a clear statement to validate his £51m transfer from Dortmund this summer, scoring three times and assisting once in three Premier league appearances. Although, Haaland would easily have doubled his currents stats, it is nevertheless a very bright start for a new player under Pep Guardiola.
Ahead of City’s trip to Camp Nou for a charity game, Erling Haaland has given a breakdown on his life as a blue citizen of Manchester.
Erling Haaland: “I’ve already met some United supporters in the city, and we’re always joking. It’s about not taking everything too seriously. There are a lot of United fans in my home town in Norway, so I’ve always had to have a go at them. I’m used to this and I love it…”
“Don’t take things too seriously. I want to be able to talk a bit like the fans, otherwise it gets a bit boring, doesn’t it?”
“Jadon Sancho and I had a great connection on and off the pitch at Dortmund. He plays for the other lot now though, so maybe we’ll have to meet in secret!”
Erling Haaland: “I was watching the Premier league a lot before I arrived at ManCity. Over the past few years the big No.9 has become more rare, that’s why it’s even better to be one now! I always wanted to be a striker because of that. I love my position.”
“It must always be about learning, developing. You can never stop looking for new ways to become better. Look at Karim Benzema; 34, and developed into an even better player over the last years – that’s insanely good. I want to always do that.”
Erling Haaland on that day in 2012 and 93:20:
“I remember so well. Like it was yesterday. Crazy. The day had been all about winning. This was our moment, the day ManCity became champions. I remember we settled down to watch, my dad as excited as me, but things went crazy…”
“The winning goal felt so strange… Me, my dad, we’re up off our seats, we’re running around the living room screaming. The top comes off, and it’s spinning around the head [of @aguerosergiokun]. Special. What a moment.”
Erling Haaland: “In the modern game, there’s lots of play, play, play – that’s fine, I like it. But I also love a wide man crossing and me scoring. It can be that easy sometimes. I think the No 9 today needs to be able to do and enjoy both – hopefully I will.”