Erling Haaland was one of the biggest centre-forwards in Europe when he agreed to join Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund last month... and now he's even bigger!
The Norwegian, 21, was shocked to discover he has grown in height since his last medical. His previous recorded height was 1.95metres (six foot, five inches), yet that information has been updated following his move to the Premier League champions.
Haaland was finally confirmed as a City player on Monday morning, penning a five-year deal at the Etihad. Several top European sides were interested in the prolific forward - including Barcelona and Real Madrid - but he chose to join Pep Guardiola's side instead.
Haaland's height was registered as 1.952 metres during his medical, which he passed. "Oh wow, I've grown... almost one centimetre," said the player when measured by City's medical team. The video clip of him being measured has since gone viral on TikTok.
The former Dortmund star joined City exactly 21 years after his dad, Alf-Inge, signed from Leeds. The ex-defender made 47 appearances for the Manchester club during a three-year spell and was part of their squad that won promotion to the Premier League in 2001-02.
City have remained in the top flight since then and have become one of the world's richest clubs following their takeover by Sheikh Mansour in September 2008. They've gone on to win six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, six EFL Cups and three Community Shields.
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City's relatively new standing in the game has helped them attract players of Haaland's calibre. The youngster scored 86 goals in 89 appearances for Dortmund and found the back of the net 29 times in 27 games for Red Bull Salzburg between 2018 and 2020.
"I was born in England, I've been a City fan my whole life," said Haaland during his unveiling. "I know a lot about the club. I think in the end, two things; I feel at home a bit here. Also I think I can develop and get the best out of my game at City."
Haaland also discussed the impact of his dad on his decision. "He lived in England, he played for the club," Haaland junior said of Alf-Inge. "Of course, a lot of things have changed in the last 20 years but he lived here, so he knows what it is.
"We've just been speaking about basically how it is, what's the best for me, what's this, what's that, and to try and find out everything. He's been a good dad in that thing there."
Haaland went on to say: "I have always watched City and have loved doing so in recent seasons. 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."
