Erling Haaland’s move to Manchester City has been officially announced and in his first interview, the striker recalled being ambushed whilst on holiday by City man Riyad Mahrez.
The 21-year-old completed a £64 million move from Borussia Dortmund after the Etihad club triggered the striker’s bargain release clause.
During his first interview, the Norway international recalled a conversation he had with Mahrez last year when the pair met by chance whilst holidaying in the Greek island of Mykonos.
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Haaland said: “Yes, he told me to come to City, so he was right about that. He talks, he said some good things about the club.”
Prior to his move to Manchester, Haaland first caught the eye when he was playing for Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg, where he scored 29 goals in 27 appearances for the club, including a goal against Liverpool in the Champions League at Anfield. Dortmund then snapped up the striker, in Germany, Haaland developed into one of the best strikers in world football, he notched up 86 goals in 89 outings for the club.
The Norwegian was linked with a host of top clubs including Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea but felt more connected with City.
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When asked why he chose to sign for City, Haaland said: “First of all, my father a little bit. I was born in England, I've been a City fan my whole life, I know a lot about the club.”
He added: “I think in the end, two things; I feel at home a bit here. Also I think I can develop and get the best out of my game at City.”
When asked about the chance of playing under City boss Pep Guardiola, the striker said: “Yes, as I say, I think I can develop a lot under Pep (Guardiola) and at this club. I think I can get better on a lot of things, and hopefully I can score a lot of goals.”
He added: “Yes, I've spoken a little bit with him and we both look forward to working together. I think it's a mix between a lot of things.”
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Having won four Premier League titles in five years, Guardiola will hope that bringing Haaland into his already world class squad will finally give the club the elusive Champions League trophy.
The European trophy is the only piece of silverware that Guardiola has failed to win at the club. City saw their 21/22 campaign in Europe dramatically ended by eventual winners Real Madrid.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy/Twitter @ManCityTopics: Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Riyad Mahrez, Football
