Pep Guardiola admits he ‘couldn’t believe’ that Erling Haaland signed a new nine-and-a-half year deal – as Man City boss hails ‘great news’ for the club
Pep Guardiola has admitted he was stunned to hear that Erling Haaland had committed his future to Manchester City until 2034.
Haaland’s nine-and-half year contract extension at Manchester City will see the superstar striker make over £200m should he stay until the expiration of his deal.
The Norwegian put pen-to-paper on the Premier League’s biggest ever contract and the release clauses that have been removed from his extension now make it incredibly difficult for any potential suitors.
When asked for his reaction to the news, Guardiola told Sky Sports : ‘When Ferran told me, I said ‘sorry, can you tell me again!?’ Because I could not believe it. It never happened before. After that it happened, but I don’t think anybody pushed the other one. I think both [parties] wanted it.
‘It is great news for the club, I hope [and expect] he is happy, otherwise he would not do it. To have this incredible talent, unique player and striker for the club, for the next decade, is really important.
‘He would not sign a contract if he could not visualise his future as a football player at this club, and the potential and the challenge here – it would be impossible. I am really pleased, especially pleased he has done it in not an easy moment for us in terms of results.
Pep Guardiola has admitted he was stunned to hear about Erling Haaland’s new deal
Haaland put pen to paper on a staggering nine year contract extension at Man City
Haaland is set to earn over £200m over the duration of the deal, which will run until 2034
‘And to do it in this moment, I think, means a lot for the trust in everyone at this club. He knows in 10 years – I don’t know what’s going to happen – but he will have different backroom staff and players.
‘So I think he signs, because he sees City in the Premier League, of course, and he sees the potential [and] that the club has been one decade at the top, for many, many years.
‘I think the fact that he loves to play in the Premier League is a big compliment to the Premier League, to the whole organisation, to everyone and he wants to play for the club for many reasons – incredible clubs, incredible teams, year-by-year it’s getting better, and that is it.’
City’s outgoing director of football Txiki Begiristain also hailed the announcement.
‘Everyone at the Club is absolutely delighted that Erling has signed his new contract,’ he said. ‘The fact he is signed for so long demonstrates our commitment to him as a player, and his love of this club.
‘He has made an incredible impact already in his time here and his amazing numbers and records speak for themselves.
‘But in addition to his outstanding natural talent and ability, Erling’s dedication, professionalism, humility and desire to keep getting better sum up what we all strive to achieve at Manchester City.
‘He is one of the finest strikers in world football, but Erling is still very young and will only continue to improve working under Pep and his coaching team.
‘If he works hard, which I know he will, he will create an incredible legacy at this football club. Now he can focus on his game and continuing to play a huge part in helping us try to achieve even more success.’
