Erling Haaland Breaks Silence on Man City Guilty Charges Verdict

Manchester City star Erling Haaland has spoken out for the first time after his team were found guilty of breaking Premier League rules.

During the autumn international break – while Haaland was away with Norway – the Etihad outfit were found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018. The 26-year-old was actually due to speak to media soon afterwards, but the press conference was pulled for obvious reasons.

Now back in England ahead of his team’s Premier League trip to Liverpool this weekend, the star striker has addressed the guilty verdict.

Haaland Urges Man City to ‘Stick Together’

REUTERS/ Phil Noble

Speaking to club media, Haaland said that now was the time for everyone at Man City to stick together:

Speaking to Sky Sports, he echoed that sentiment: “We have to stick together. We have to stay with each other, and we have to stay positive. No matter what happens in life, we always have to have a smile.

“So we have to stay positive, look ahead, and try to win football games and try to enjoy the situation and win the game. We have to stick together; we have to spread the love to each other. So yeah: stick together, and enjoy the ride and smile.”

His comments come amid claims the Norway ace could now leave Man City in 2027. Journalist Graeme Bailey said: “Our understanding is that the timeline – irrespective of a City relegation – was that Haaland and his camp were looking at 2027 [for a transfer], because that’s a down year in between big [international] competitions.”

Arsenal are likely to be among the clubs interested in securing Haaland’s signature, but Bailey noted that a move to Spain is more likely, adding:

“But my understanding is that Erling Haaland wants to go to Spain. Primarily, we’re talking Real Madrid and Barcelona.”

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Kristoffer Ajer Reveals How Haaland Reacted to the News

Norway’s Erling Haaland looks on vs England via Reuters/Sam Navarro

Man City have appealed the ruling, and it appears as though the club have little choice but to continue business as usual until any more is learnt. The same will go for the players, ahead of their trip to Anfield this week.

It will be fascinating to see if the guilty verdict has an impact on the team that has won all five Premier League games so far. Haaland’s comments do not give away much.

Giving a little more insight into how the striker has reacted to the news, Norway teammate and Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer spoke out on the matter recently, explaining:

“He’s [Haaland’s] been exactly the way he’s always the same with the national team. He’s truly focused on the upcoming games. I think he’s trying to do the same as everyone else, wait and see what the outcome is – but right now the main focus is Wales tomorrow night. That’s clearly been his way of doing it.”

Ajer was then asked if he has seen a difference in the 26-year-old since the news emerged, and said: “No not at all. Ever since I met him brings lot of energy and joy to the group. The biggest compliment I always give is that he hasn’t changed a bit from the moment I met him even though he’s the biggest star on the planet right now.

“He’s been exactly the same the last few days as well which is not a surprise for me.”

Haaland scored three goals in his first two games of the international break (against Denmark and Portugal) but then failed to score against Wales and Portugal in the remaining two fixtures. He started every game, playing 90 minutes in all but the last outing (coming off in the 67th minute).