Manchester City star striker Erling Haalad has opened up on his reasoning behind signing for the Premier League club, citing his childhood fandom in a recent interview while on international duty.
The Norwegian has taken the Premier League by storm since signing for City for a reported fee of £51 million during the summer transfer window.
Since joining Pep Guardiola’s squad from Borussia Dortmund, Haaland boasts a staggering tally of 14 goals through 10 games in a City shirt.
But before putting pen to paper on a contract with the Premier League club, Haaland had plenty of decisions to make when it became clear he would be leaving Dortmund.
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If reports are to be believed, Haaland was the subject of interest of some of Europe’s biggest clubs last year, including Real Madrid, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Barcelona.
Ultimately, Haaland chose to sign with the reigning Premier League champions, and so far his decision seems to be paying off.
In a recent interview while on international duty with Norway, the 22-year-old opened up on why he chose to sign with City.
"I've been a City fan my whole life,” Haaland said in quotes relayed by the Manchester Evening News.
“My dad played there and such, I've scored 14 goals and I've had a decent start to the season.
"I made the club selection in terms of coach, players. That's what I've been thinking about. At the end of the day, I've always been a City fan and that's just the way it's been.
He continued: “When I've gone to City, that's to develop as best as possible and as much as possible in a positive way that allows me to become a better footballer so that Norway can use me - and whichever club I'm at can use me."
Many doubted whether or not Haaland would be a good fit for Pep Guardiola’s star-studded squad, but those doubts have been squashed with relative ease by the prolific striker.
The 22 year-old has scored in seven successive matches for the Blues, most recently during a 3-0 win over Wolves.
Haaland also already has two Premier League hat-trick to his name, after netting on three occasions against both Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest.
The City striker is reportedly set to captain Norway in two upcoming international fixtures against Serbia and Slovenia.
Upon returning from international break, Haaland will face perhaps his first real test as a Manchester City player, as the Etihad outfit host cross-town rivals Manchester United at the Etihad in Premier League action.
Another flurry of goals in the Manchester Derby could see Haaland further boost his chances of smashing the single season Premier League record goal tally in just his first campaign in the division.
Topics: Manchester City, Erling Haaland, Premier League
Adam Booker