Manchester City's superstar signing Erling Haaland has given a peak through the curtain into his first conversation with Pep Guardiola, speaking during his first interview with the club's in-house media team.
The Norway international will join up with the Premier League champions for pre-season, after establishing himself as one of the most feared strikers in world football since his move to Germany from Red Bull Salzburg in 2020.
After withstanding competition from Real Madrid in the race for the 21-year-old's services, Manchester City have made a brilliant addition to their star-studded frontline ahead of the new campaign.
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Despite operating for the best part of two seasons in the absence of a natural number nine, Pep Guardiola's false nine system led his side to back-to-back Premier League titles and with Erling Haaland joining, it remains to be seen how the Leeds-born attacker will fit into Manchester City's attack.
"Yes of course; if not, I would not have come here. I like the style," the Norwegian said in his first interview as a Manchester City player.
"I like attacking football, I like the positive vibe we have when City play football - this is what I like a lot. I think it is a really good fit."
Pep Guardiola is understood to have spoken with Erling Haaland directly and is believed to have played a key role in convincing the boyhood Manchester City fan to move to the Etihad Stadium.
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On the prospect of working with the Catalan coach, Haaland said, "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."
"I have spoken a little bit with him (Guardiola) and we both look forward to working together."
After featuring against Manchester City for Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-final two seasons ago, Haaland was asked if he pictured himself playing for the Blues when watching them last term. "Yes, I have. It's going to be good," the striker said.
With the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez set to line up alongside Haaland next season, the young sensation can unlock his true potential as he laid out how he has managed to rack up the attacking numbers he has in recent campaigns.
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"I think it's a mix between a lot of things. I think first of all, it's my joy to play football, to try to enjoy every single moment," Haaland added.
"When I enjoy, I win football games and I score goals. So, I always want to have fun and I think it's a good mix between a lot of things."
Topics: Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Premier League, Football
Vayam Lahoti