Here, finally, was Erling Haaland.
Since the season began last July, it had taken until the fourth hour of Manchester City's media day in June for the Striking Viking to speak to written media about his time at the club. In that time Haaland has changed how goalscoring is viewed in England and is one game away from fulfilling the biggest dream behind his move to the Etihad.
City knew the Norwegian would elevate the profile of the club as everyone flocked to get a glimpse of the phenomenon, yet his performances on the pitch have sent his media appearances skyrocketing. On top of all the interviews with rights-holders around matches, Haaland has done up to 30 immediately after games after making himself the story again and again with his 52 goals (and eight assists); under those circumstances, you can hardly blame him for not stopping for an optional 31st.
