Featured Image Credit: Erling Haaland & Man City
Topics: Manchester City, Erling Haaland
Josh Lawless
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was forced to take part in a brutal training exercise ahead of pre-season.
With Norway failing to qualify for Euro 2024, Haaland had a full summer off to recharge after winning a second consecutive Premier League title and Golden Boot.
He started off by partying in Marbella and headed back on two separate occasions after using a yacht.
The former Borussia Dortmund man also spent time in both Capri and Paris but finished off in his homeland.
And it was there where Haaland was seeing meditating topless in a river, enjoying the nature.
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But it wasn't all relaxing for the 23-year-old, as he revealed upon his return to first-team training.
Members of staff were discussing Haaland chopping wood in the mountains and living up to his viking nickname.
In a video posted on City's X account, Haaland confirmed that it was his father's doing.
He said: "I was in the mountains, chopping wood all day. So I'm a bit tight in my hamstrings, my back is a bit sore, shoulders, and my arms are a bit sore. My father forced me, I didn't have a choice!".
The old-school approach from Alf-Inge gives off serious Sylvester Stallone in Rocky IV vibes.
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But it sums up Haaland's innate mentality and his immense physical capabilities.
He was back in training with City on Monday, along with the rest of players who did not have international duty commitments.
City have since jetted out to the United States for a tour, with Haaland sharing a snap of he and Jack Grealish on the long-haul flight.
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City's first game is against Celtic at the Kenan Memorial Stadium in North Carolina on 24 July.
They are back in action three days later at the famous Yankee Stadium, taking on Serie A giants AC Milan.
Pep Guardiola has a reunion with Barcelona on 31 July before wrapping up proceedings against Chelsea on 3 August - a week prior to the Community Shield against Manchester United at Wembley.