Erling Haaland has admitted that he has not sought advice off his father ahead of today's Manchester derby.
Alf-Inge Haaland joined City in 2000 and during his three-year spell in Manchester made 45 appearances for the club. During that time he became well acquainted with the club's derby with United.
Now, 22 years on from his dad joining the Blues, Haaland Jnr has revealed that he has not spoken to his old man about the derby and has instead been preparing for the fixture in his own way. "I haven’t spoken to my father about this game, but I know he will be in the stands watching," the 22-year-old told the City website.
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"It means so much to all of the supporters — and as a fan I know that. We want to make them proud on Sunday.
"We know it is going to be a tough game, but I am excited to play in this derby. It’s another game, but I also know that derby games are so much more intense.
"These games mean everything to the fans. It is the first time I have played in the Manchester derby after watching so many on TV with my father and I cannot wait. It will be a special moment for me."
Despite the game clearly being significant to the striker, Haaland wanted to stress that a goal against United was no more special than scoring against any other opponent. He added: "Of course, it would be special to score against United, but it would also be special to score against Copenhagen on Wednesday and Southampton next weekend.
"My focus is on every game because if I am scoring goals and playing well it means it is going to help the team achieve our aims this season. My welcome has been amazing.
"Manchester is an incredible city with people who love football. The fans and the players, staff and coaches at the club have been great and they have made me feel so at home here.
"We know it is going to be a tough game. Anything is possible in a derby game and we are all going to have to be at our best to get anything from this game.
"What I have always known and am now experiencing is that in the Premier League every game is tough. You have to be at your best and if you aren’t then you will be punished."
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