It would not be an overstatement to say that Erling Haaland is the Premier League’s biggest star right now. He took almost no time to announce his arrival in England, as City went on to win the second treble by an English team and broke the record for most goals in a Premier League season.
He also recently won “Best Men’s Player” at the 2023 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, beating Cristiano Ronaldo in the process. He was also nominated for the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA Best Award, both of which he lost to Lionel Messi.
Pep Guardiola claims Erling Haaland is happy at Man City
Pep Guardiola has insisted that his star player is happy at Manchester City, blowing away rumours despite reports emerging in Spain that he would like to switch to Real Madrid to link up with former Borussia Dortmund teammate Jude Bellingham.
Pep said, “I don’t know, you have to ask the media from Madrid. Maybe they have more information than we have. I don’t – we don’t – have that feeling that he’s unhappy. He was [unhappy] because he could not play for two months because he was injured, but maybe the media from Spain – and especially Madrid – have more information than us.”
He further said, “We cannot say he didn’t adapt quickly, and he was not fine since he arrived – just the level he showed since he arrived on day one. But we cannot control what people say. What’s important is that he’s happy. And when he’s unhappy, he will make his decision.”
Erling Haaland returns to Man City after two months
Erling Haaland returned to action after being out for two months after being sidelined with a foot injury. Haaland, who scored 53 goals in all competitions last year, has been just as lethal this season, if not more. Haaland had already scored 19 goals for City this season before missing 10 games with a stress fracture of the foot.
However, Haaland returned from injury as a second-half substitute in City’s 3-1 win over Championship winner Burnley, who are coached by former Man City defender Vincent Kompany.
Haaland will be joined by defender Manuel Akanji, meaning Guardiola has a full selection of players available for the first time all season. “It’s really important. Manu is back as well so we have everyone,” he added. “The busy period is ahead of us with the Champions League around the corner and many games, so it is good to have everyone.”
The defending champions trail league-leading Liverpool by five points and have a game in hand. City will also face Copenhagen in the Round of 16 of the Champions League.
