Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker, made a private phone call to Manchester City chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, leaving him stunned with his bold words. Al Mubarak recalls the conversation that took place when Haaland signed for the club last year.
In an interview with the Manchester Evening News, Al Mubarak revealed, “Erling Haaland told me he would win the Premier League title with Manchester City when he signed for the club.”
Al Mubarak expressed his surprise and admiration for Haaland’s confidence during their first meeting. Welcoming new signings is a customary practice, but Al Mubarak was particularly impressed by Haaland’s direct conversation about his ambitions for the club. Now, twelve months later, the 22-year-old striker has fulfilled his promise.
Manchester City managed to beat out several top European clubs, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, to secure Erling Haaland’s signature from Borussia Dortmund last summer. The enticing offer and the promise of being at the heart of the team’s ambitions convinced Haaland to choose Etihad.
It has proven to be a complete success, with Haaland scoring 52 goals in all competitions and playing a crucial role in the team’s historic treble, including their first-ever Champions League triumph in 2022.
President Al Mubarak further added, “He has something special, confidence, and respect. He told me, ‘Mr. Chairman, I will win the Champions League with Manchester City.’ He had the desire to win the elusive Champions League trophy with Manchester City, and we will achieve it.”
Haaland’s remarkable abilities have not only lived up to expectations but have also fulfilled the promise he made to Manchester City’s president. It has been a successful season for the Norwegian striker and the entire team at the Etihad Stadium.