Erling Haaland said the allegations made against Manchester City would have no impact on him signing a huge new nine-and-a-half year contract with the club.
The Norwegian striker has signed a contract that will keep him at the Etihad until 2034, making him one of the highest-paid players in the sport.
City are awaiting the outcome of a disciplinary hearing into 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, which could lead to point deductions and even relegation.
Asked if the hearing had any impact on signing his new contract, Haaland said: “No, I didn’t think about that or anything like that.
“I’m confident the club knows what it’s doing and I really don’t think I should talk about it too much.”
It is alleged that City breached Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018. City strongly denies all allegations and the private hearing will take place between September and December.
@ManCity 🩵 pic.twitter.com/FpNtWcID23
— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) January 19, 2025
Long-term deal a “really good sign”
The 24-year-old has scored 112 goals in 127 games since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
Haaland’s new contract is the longest in Premier League history, surpassing the nine-year deal Cole Palmer signed last summer.
“That’s a really good sign,” added Haaland. “Of course it’s a little unusual, it’s not normal and I like that too.
“It felt good for both sides and in the end it was an easy decision.”
Before joining City in 2022, Haaland’s father Alfie said the striker would like to play in all of Europe’s top leagues over the course of his career, having completed the Bundesliga and Premier League so far.
“Those are his words, not mine,” Haaland said when told of his father’s comments.
“I think when I signed for City I felt at home. I really meant it.
“I feel so lucky, my family is so happy. Ultimately that’s what I wanted. The people I spoke to convinced me that this was the right choice.
“In the end, when I talked to people, we came to this conclusion and it felt really good. I’m really looking forward to spending many more years in Manchester, it will be great.
“I feel a really positive energy in the club. It was a tough time, everyone knows that. We have trained really well, we have that behind us now and we are looking forward and looking forward to tomorrow.”
Haaland is not thinking about Real Madrid
Haaland has been linked to Real Madrid throughout his career and was asked if he “regrets” that his new contract would make a move to the Bernabeu more difficult.
“I just signed a nine-year contract, what can I say?” Haaland replied.
“Of course I’m happy. I am extremely happy with my choice and look forward to many years in Manchester.”
