Erling Haaland says he chose to sign for Manchester City because of the chances Pep Guardiola's side will create for him.
Haaland, 21, joins City from Borussia Dortmund for £51m, with the Blues beating off stiff competition to sign the highly-rated Norwegian. City announced an agreement in principle for Haaland last month, and have now confirmed the transfer has been fully completed.
In his first words as a new City player, Haaland pointed to Guardiola's style, as well as hinting at his family ties to the club as a key reason for his decision to move to the Etihad. His father Alf-Inge played for City when Erling was born, and the new striker teased his arrival last week with a picture of himself as a toddler wearing an old City home kit.
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Now, Haaland says: “This is a proud day for me and my family. I have always watched City and have loved doing so in recent seasons. You can’t help but admire their style of play, it’s exciting and they create a lot of chances, which is perfect for a player like me.
“There are so many world-class players in this squad and Pep is one of the greatest managers of all-time, so I believe I am in the right place to fulfil my ambitions.
“I want to score goals, win trophies, and improve as a footballer and I am confident I can do that here. This is a great move for me, and I can’t wait to get started in pre-season.
“I was born in England. I have been a City fan my whole life. I know a lot about the club. In the end, [deciding to sign was down to] two things. I feel at home here and I feel I can develop and get the best out of my game at City.
“I like the style (of play). I like the attacking football. I like the positive vibe we have when City play football. This is what I like a lot, so I think it’s a good fit.”
Haaland will join up with City for pre-season, and could make his first appearance in Houston against Club America on July 20, or three days later against Bayern Munich.
