Photo IMAGO
International breaks are meant to offer players a little distance from club noise. For Erling Haaland, that was never likely. After Norway’s 3-1 UEFA Nations League win over Wales, the Manchester City forward was asked about the legal storm around his club and the answer was classic Haaland, dry, direct and with very little interest in playing along.
City remain embroiled in the fallout from the 115-charge case. An independent panel has reportedly delivered a guilty verdict, while the club continue to maintain their innocence and have appealed. That leaves the whole situation hanging over English football, over Manchester City and, inevitably, over players who had nothing to do with the period under scrutiny.
Haaland response cuts straight to the point
Asked about the “situation” at City, Haaland did not dodge it. He simply pointed out the obvious. “The investigation covered 2009 to 2018. In 2009, I played for Bryne U9s. In 2010, the Under-10s. In 2011, the Under-11s. 2012, the Under-12s, 2012, the Under-13s. Shall we continue? We don’t need the whole list…”
Then he carried on anyway. “2014, the Under-14s. 2015, the Under-15s and the national team. Then the Under-16s, I think. In 2016, I moved up to Bryne’s first team, second team and youth team. In 2017, I went to Molde. In 2018, I was with Molde. The first team, Molde 2 and a bit with the youth team.”
It was funny, but the point was serious enough. Haaland was making clear that he was nowhere near Manchester City during the years in question. That matters. Football has a bad habit of dragging current employees into arguments about events that predate them. Haaland was having none of it.
Photo: IMAGO
Manchester City case remains separate from dressing room reality
He then stated the obvious in even plainer terms. “So this is a question I struggle to answer because it’s a legal battle… It’s a case between the Premier League and Manchester City that a panel will deal…
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