The club's star striker has been speaking as City prepare for their first game since being found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules. Credit: PA Images
Erling Haaland has called on Manchester City fans to "stick together and stay positive", ahead of their first game since being found guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules.
Enzo Maresca's side will take on fierce rivals Liverpool FC at Anfield on Sunday, 11 October.
City have insisted they are innocent and have launched an appeal, but speculation is rife across the football world as to what sanctions the club may face, after an independent commission said they broke the rules between 2009-10 and 2017-18.
Norway international and star striker Haaland joined City from Borussia Dortmund for £51.2 million in June 2022.
In an interview, he said: "So we have to stay positive, look ahead and then try to win football games and then try to enjoy the situation and the game.
"We have to stick together and we have to spread the love to each other. So, stick together and enjoy the ride and smile."
The independent commission concluded more than £830million of owner funding was used to inflate revenues and enable City to comply with Premier League and UEFA regulations through a series of “sham” arrangements.
City said the commission’s judgment contained “clear material errors, of law, principle and fact, and is unsafe” and that there was “a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” to support their position.
Haaland, whose father Alf-Inge also played for City, added: “I care a lot about the city, I have to say.
“I care a lot about the fans because I’m a fan myself and I feel with them as well.”
City boss Maresca was all smiles as he arrived for training on Thursday, 8 October, pictured grinning and giving a thumbs-up as the squad reunited after the extended international break.
The manager, who will address the media for the first time since the verdict on Friday, 9 October, will hope his players can put the furore to one side and pick up where they left off in the Premier League, having won all of their opening five matches to top the table.
His predecessor as City boss, Pep Guardiola, who has publicly stressed his support for the club, is understood to be attending the Champions League game at home to Paris St Germain next week.
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