Since Erling Haaland’s arrival at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City fans have instantly taken to their blockbuster signing.
The Norwegian was the Sky Blues supporters’ dream striker to replace Sergio Agüero, so it comes as no surprise why the buzz around his much-awaited arrival has been palpable.
The youngster comes with the reputation of being of the finest frontmen in Europe, classed alongside Karim Benzema, Robert Lewandowski and Harry Kane.
Another reason why Haaland’s arrival has been embraced is due to his connection with the club.
With his father, Alfie Haaland being an ex-City midfielder and the player admitting to being a lifelong Blue, the fans have an endless list of reasons to be head over heels about the 22-year-old’s coup.
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During his public unveiling at a recent event, locals gave Haaland a special reception, with a majority of attendees donning shirts with his name on the back.
However, a new revelation suggests that the players have also instantly fallen in love with the club’s superstar recruit.
As per a report by Rob Pollard on City’s official website, the squad presented a birthday cake and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ as Haaland turned 22 during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.
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It was also pointed out that those within the side have tried to ensure that the former Dortmund icon is made feel welcome in his new surroundings.
Jack Grealish is certainly one of the players that has seemingly struck an encouraging bond with the highly-acclaimed striker.
The England international took to social media to post a selfie with Haaland, wishing him well on his special day.
The 26-year-old also filmed a video involving the prolific goalscorer giving a birthday speech in front of his teammates, who all went on to clap and cheer for him.
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It seems as if making the Norway international feel at home has already worked wonders, with him finding the back of the net within the first 12 minutes of his City career against Bayern Munich recently.
Haaland looked like an instant fit in the side from the get-go, showing signs of a burgeoning connection with Grealish and De Bruyne.
Ultimately, a content Haaland is a bad sign for opposition defences set to face the all-conquering striker feeling on top of the world in sky blue next season.
We're likely to see the clinical striker back in action this Saturday, when City face Liverpool in the annual FA Community Shield curtain raiser.
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After getting off to the perfect start, he'll want to build on that momentum against one of the best sides in Europe.
Topics: Manchester City, Erling Haaland, Premier League
Srinivas Sadhanand