Erling Haaland has revealed how his father and childhood support for Manchester City influenced his decision to go to the Etihad Stadium.
Haaland’s £51 million ($62 million) move from Borussia Dortmund to City was finalized on Monday morning when he signed a five-year contract.
The Manchester club apparently beat out competition from a number of other elite European clubs, including Real Madrid, to sign the 21-year-old, and he has now explained his final decision.
Related: Manchester City Unveil £51m New Signing Erling Haaland At Etihad
Why did Haaland join Manchester City?
Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, played for City for three years and raised his son as a City fan.
When asked about the motivation behind his transfer, Haaland told City’s official website, “First of all, my father, a little bit.”
“I was born in England. I have been a City fan my whole life. I know a lot about the club.
“In the end, [deciding to sign was down to] two things. I feel at home here and I feel I can develop and get the best out of my game at City.
“I like the style (of play). I like the attacking football. I like the positive vibe we have when City play football.
“This is what I like a lot, so I think it’s a good fit.”
Erling Haaland On The Etihad Stadium
Haaland’s only outing at the Etihad was with Dortmund in their 2-1 defeat to City in the 2020-21 Champions League quarter-finals, but he has also visited as a fan.
“I have been there a couple of times before watching games,” he stated of the 53,400-capacity ground.
“I like it. It is beautiful, I like the colour! It’s a big, huge stadium and I like to play there.”
Haaland used to go to the club’s previous stadium, Maine Road, to watch his father play when he was younger.
“I have been to a lot of games (there). I don’t remember, but I have been to a lot of games with my mum, sister and brother watching my father play,” he concluded.
COMMENTS