Erling Haaland has revealed he refused to speak to the media while on international duty with Norway this week on the advice of a farmer.
The Borussia Dortmund striker is one of the most sought-after stars in world football and has found himself constantly in the headlines over recent months. The 21-year-old, who has scored a staggering 80 goals in 82 appearances since joining the Bundesliga club, is set to become the focus of a transfer tug-of-war this summer amid reports he could be available on the cheap.
Haaland's current Dortmund contract is understood to include a £64million release clause, which has put some of Europe's top teams on high alert. With speculation continuing to swirl around his future, the in-demand Dortmund forward has now revealed he refused Norway media duties this week on the recommendation of farmer.
Haaland broke his silence on Tuesday evening, taking to Twitter to declare: "I was given advice by a farmer a few years back: let your feet do the talking and everything else will be fine. I said okay and walked away."
The forward's feet certainly did the talking once again during the international break as he found the target three times across two friendly appearances. The Norwegian followed up a strike against Slovakia in Friday's 2-0 triumph with a brace in his nation's thumping 9-0 mauling of Armenia on Tuesday.
Norway national team manager Stale Solbakken explained last week that Haaland had requested he be kept out of the limelight and forgo media duties over the international break. The former Wolves coach revealed: "He has expressed to me that he would like to be screened a little.
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"He explained to me why. He explained to me in a nice and factual way, and a very convincing way that he needs it.
"I see no reason not to respect that. When we meet next time [in June], Erling will be sitting here answering questions from you. Then that saga will be over."
The identity of the farmer who imparted the words of wisdom upon Haaland has been revealed to be former Norway international Gabriel Hoyland according to Norwegian outlet NRK. Since retiring, the former striker has turned his hand to farming, though he is also said to still mentor young talents.
The 67-year-old declared: "My son contacted Erling and got confirmation that it was me he was talking about. I did not feel completely recognisable, but when Erling says that, I believe him. If he remembers it, it must have been useful."
Dortmund are bracing themselves to lose their star man this summer with the likes of Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain set to do battle over the striker. The club's chief Hans-Joachim Watzke recently conceded that Dortmund will be unable to compete with the financial clout of City, should they up their efforts to sign Haaland.
He admitted to BILD : "I've given up judging media rumours. Otherwise, my day would have to have 36 hours. We don't currently know anything specific from the player side, nor has anyone approached us. However, we cannot keep up financially if Manchester City comes in [for Haaland]."
