According to Mr. Khaldoon Al Mubarak, in the first conversation after signing the contract, striker Erling Haaland promised to bring the Champions League to Man City.
"It's a great addition," Al Mubarak told Man City's media channels on June 18. "Back to the conversation with Haaland. It was my first conversation after he signed. But what surprised me about Haaland is the confidence and respect, and that's special."
Al Mubarak revealed that at the end of this conversation, Haaland confirmed that Man City brought him back with the ambition of winning the Champions League and promised to complete the goal. "Those statements are a testament to Haaland's greatness," Man City's chairman expressed. "It shows Haaland's journey, and the scary thing is that this is just the beginning."
Haaland celebrates winning the Champions League trophy after the final victory over Inter 1-0 at Ataturk Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey on June 10. Photo: Lapresse
After joining Man City for $63 million, Haaland quickly integrated, scoring 52 goals in 53 matches in all competitions, helping the club win a historic treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
In the Premier League alone, the Norwegian striker scored 36 goals, breaking the record for most goals scored in a season held by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole (both 34 goals). In the Champions League, Haaland also won the Golden Boot with 12 goals, including a record five goals in the 7-0 win over RB Leipzig in the second leg of the round of 16 at the Etihad Stadium.
According to Al Mubarak, Haaland's greatest strength is his champion mentality and his never being satisfied, whether he scores one, two or even five goals in a game. "I remember when he scored five goals against Leipzig, Haaland told me he should have scored three or four more," Al Mubarak said. "Haaland is not joking. It's the mentality and the winning formula. It's the intangible, the unusual that makes you great. With Haaland, Man City have an unbelievable player."
Chairman Al Mubarak shares joy with Haaland after Man City won the Premier League. Photo: AP
Al Mubarak also praised Ilkay Gundogan as the captain, representing Man City with hard work, commitment, humility, winning spirit, and always shining in big matches. He hopes to convince the German midfielder to stay at the club, despite interest from Arsenal and Barca, but stressed that he will respect any decision Gundogan makes.
This season, Gundogan, who took over from Fernandinho as captain, has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists as City won a historic treble, including a brace in the FA Cup final win over United 2-1. According to The Times , City have offered Gundogan a two-year extension, with a one-year option, but he has yet to agree. On June 16, City put Gundogan out of contract, along with two young players Terrell Agyemang and Rowan McDonald, and Benjamin Mendy, who is facing a retrial on one charge of rape and another of sexual assault.
Hong Duy
Source link
Comment (0)