Erling Haaland says he's 'in the right place to fulfil ambitions' after Man City announce signing
- Sean Fisher
- 13 June 2022
Manchester City have finally announced the signing of Erling Haaland, 22 years to the day after they signed his father Alf-Inge.
Manchester City finally announced their signing of Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland on Monday morning.
The Premier League champions triggered the Norwegian striker's £51million release clause in May, but waited until early June to officially announce the signing.
The 21-year-old joins up with Pep Guardiola's squad 22 years to the day after the Citizens signed his father Alf-Inge Haaland.
Haaland has signed a five-year deal with the club, and will officially join Pep Guardiola's squad on July 1 ahead of their pre-season tour.
Having scored 86 goals from 89 games during his spell in Dortmund, Haaland is seen as one of the most promising young strikers in Europe, and City will hope his goals will be the missing piece of the jigsaw in their quest for Champions League glory.
The club comedically announced his arrival on Twitter, recreating an iconic photo of Haaland in a City shirt during his youth.
HE'S HERE! 💙 pic.twitter.com/JuZEtzTWbv
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 13, 2022
Alongside the announcement,Erling Haaland commented on his excitement at joining the club.
"This is a proud day for me and my family. I have always watched City and have loved doing so in recent seasons," said Haaland.
"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."
Haaland's first appearance in sky blue will likely come at the start of their pre-season tour, when the Premier League champions face Club America and Bayern Munich in the United States.
Following that, the domestic season gets underway with the Community Shield, which will see City face rivals Liverpool at the King Power stadium.
🎥 FIRST CITY INTERVIEW 🎥
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 13, 2022
Watch @ErlingHaaland’s first City interview in full! 👇 pic.twitter.com/OAkf96Ltb5
Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain also commented on Haaland's arrival.
"We have been monitoring Erling for several years now, so we are delighted to bring him here to Manchester City," said Begiristain.
"He is a huge talent and has been one of the best strikers in Europe over the last few seasons. His goalscoring record is exceptional and his performances at Borussia Dortmund and in the Champions League in particular have proved he can succeed at the highest level.
"Erling has everything we want in a striker, and we are certain he will excel in this squad and this system.
"His rise has been remarkable, but he is still only 21. His best years are ahead of him, and we are confident he can get even better working with Pep. This is a very exciting signing for our club."
