Erling Haaland has surprised former kitman with trip to see him play against Leeds

Erling Haaland has surprised a former kitman back in Norway with a trip to see him play for Manchester City against Leeds United on Saturday.

Table-topping City host the struggling Yorkshire outfit at the Etihad Stadium in Sam Allardyce's first game in charge, with record-breaking Haaland looking to add to his insane goals tally.

The Norwegian sensation notched his 51st goal of the season against West Ham on Wednesday and made it 35 in the Premier League, the most a player has ever managed in a single Premier League campaign.

He knocked both Alan Shearer and Andy Cole off their perch after both hit 34 goals in 42 games in the 1990s.

Haaland will line up against his hometown club Leeds, where he was born back in 2000 during his father Alf-Inge's time playing at Elland Road.

And he's invited Kurth Gausland, who he grew close with during his time at first club Byrne. Kurth is a huge Leeds fan and recently turned 60.

Haaland has remained in touch with him as he's ascended to greatness and surprised him with the gesture at his birthday bash in March.

Image: JBL

Joining Kurth at the clash will be Haaland's former youth coach Espen Undheim and two Byrne volunteers.

'Erling sent Kurth a video congratulating him from his apartment in Manchester," Undheim revealed to the Daily Mail.

'He said, "OK, now you're 60 I wanted to invite you to see your favourite team'.

'Leeds are struggling a bit and Erling said: 'I'll invite you to see your lovely Leeds but I can't say that I won't score!' It was quite surprising for him."

Haaland's dad still lives in Byrne with his wife and two daughters but regularly watches his son in action at the Etihad.

Image: Alamy

Leeds will always have a special place in the heart of Haaland, who whispered the "marching on together" chant in exchange with Stuart Dallas while on international duty.

He's also been spotted wearing Leeds shorts. Haaland made his first appearance against the Yorkshire outfit in December and scored a brace.

With a potential nine games still to play, the 22-year-old is still chasing five records this season, - including Dixie's Dean haul of 63 strikes in a top flight season for Everton in the 1927/28 campaign.

Topics: Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Leeds United

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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