Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland said a lack of concern over the Premier League charges Manchester City are facing helped him to extend his contract at the club.
City signed the 24-year-old from Dortmund in 2022 but that did not put off the top European clubs that didn't get him from planning future moves. Haaland's father had spoken of his son spending a few years in each European league before they opted for Pep Guardiola's side.
However, City, Manchester and England have all agreed with Haaland and he surprised the world of football earlier this year when he announced a new nine-and-a-half year deal to tie him to the Etihad club until 2034. If he stays for the duration of his contract, he will have spent 12 years at the club.
Haaland's deal was more notable given City are facing a series of historical charges that could ruin the club. The Premier League charged City with more than 100 breaches of their competition rules back in 2022, and if the most serious are proven it could see the Blues relegated or expelled from the division.
A three-man panel heard the evidence at the end of last year and their verdict is expected in the coming weeks. City have maintained their innocence throughout and that confidence has helped Haaland to commit to a long-term stay.
Asked if he had any worries about the charges when he signed his deal, he said: "I don't do that, obviously, when I sign a 9½-year contract.
"I've said 300 times why I signed the contract. I talked to the club, got a good feeling and agreed to it in the end. That's why."
Haaland has had a terrific season for City in the sense that he has managed to stay fit for nearly the entire campaign. He has once again been one of their best players and has not given up hope of catching Mohamed Salah to win a third consecutive Golden Boot.
It has been a frustrating year collectively though, with City out of Europe at their earliest point since the 2012/13 season and battling for fourth palce in the league rather than top spot. The Norwegian was philosophical about the struggles but wants a strong finish to the season.
"That's how it is sometimes," he said. "It's been different when you've won the Premier League both years and not been in the title race. But you can't win every year.
"Now it's about securing a Champions League place, and do something you can do something about: Win the FA Cup."
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