Erling Haaland insists he 'feels at home' at Manchester City after his summer transfer from Borussia Dortmund was officially confirmed.
The Norway international, 21, has signed a five-year deal with the Premier League champions after two-and-a-half stunning years in Germany. Haaland scored 86 goals in 89 appearances for Dortmund, helping them win the DFB-Pokal in May 2021.
The prolific forward, who was born in Leeds, will follow in the footsteps of his dad Alf-Inge by representing City. The ex-defender played 47 times for the club at the end of his career and was part of the squad that won promotion to the Premier League in 2001-02.
"He [Alf-Inge] lived in England, he played for the club," said Haaland in his first interview as a City player. "Of course, a lot of things have changed in the last 20 years but he lived here, so he knows what it is.
"We've just been speaking about basically how it is, what's the best for me, what's this, what's that, and to try and find out everything. He's been a good dad in that thing there."
Several clubs were reportedly interested in signing Haaland before he joined Pep Guardiola's side, including Barcelona, Real Madrid and local rivals Manchester United. Yet he chose to play for City. "I was born in England, I've been a City fan my whole life," added Haaland. I know a lot about the club. I think in the end, two things; I feel at home a bit here. Also I think I can develop and get the best out of my game at City."
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Haaland also revealed his excitement at playing at the Etihad. "I've been a couple of times before, watching games," he admitted. "I like it, it's beautiful, I like the colour. I played there, a big huge stadium, and I'm looking forward to playing there [with City]."
City are hoping Haaland will be the man to fire them to an elusive Champions League title. They've never lifted European football's biggest prize, losing 1-0 to Premier League rivals Chelsea in the final in May 2021 thanks to a Kai Havertz's winner.
Haaland is a huge fan of the competition, even having the competition's anthem as his ringtone. "I always like Champions League, so that's a bit why," he added. "It's a bit more special in my eyes and I like it.. it still is [my ringtone]"
City's director of football Txiki Begiristain is elated to bring Haaland to the Etihad. "We have been monitoring Erling for several years now, so we are delighted to bring him here to Manchester City," said Begiristain. "He is a huge talent and has been one of the best strikers in Europe over the last few seasons.
"His goalscoring record is exceptional and his performances at Borussia Dortmund and in the Champions League in particular have proved he can succeed at the highest level. Erling has everything we want in a striker and we are certain he will excel in this squad and this system.
"His rise has been remarkable, but he is still only 21. His best years are ahead of him and we are confident he can get even better working with Pep. This is a very exciting signing for our club, and I am sure our fans will enjoy watching Erling perform in this team."
