Over the last few years, much has been made of the fact that Leeds-born Erling Haaland is a Leeds United fan. It's easy to see why when considering the fact that a player widely tipped to become the best striker in the world, even at a very young age, once said that his dream was to play for the club.
That's due to the fact that his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played for Leeds, as well as other English clubs, Nottingham Forest and Manchester City.
However, although Leeds reportedly did come close to signing him as a youngster, he is now well beyond the reaches of not just Leeds, but all-but the world's richest sides. Today, Manchester City have officially confirmed the Norwegian striker's transfer and in his announcement interview, he has spoken of growing up a 'City fan', quashing the idea that he supported Leeds as a child.
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The 21-year-old was pursued by many top clubs, including Real Madrid but he chose to move to Pep Guardiola's side. Asked why he'd chosen Manchester City as his next club, Haaland said: "First of all my Father.
"I was born in England, been a City fan my whole life. I know a lot about the club. In the end, two things. I feel a bit at home here and also I think I can develop and get the best out of my game at City."
He went on to speak more about his father, Alfie, and how speaking with him helped make the decision to move to City easier.
"He lived in England, he played for the club. Of course, a lot of things have changed in the last 20 years but he lived here and he knows how it is. We've just been speaking about how it is, what's the best for me. What's this, what's that and trying to work that out."
Leeds fans have been discussing Haaland's comments on social media, noting that he appears to have contradicted the words he's said in the past. On Twitter, @MGLufc wrote, "Think we can bury the myth today that Erling Haaland is a #lufc fan given his comments on signing for City. Still wish we'd signed him 3 years ago when we had the chance."
However, Stuart Dallas' experience with the Norwegian international could suggest differently. The Leeds player told the Super Six podcast the story of how Haaland had sought him out specifically to swap shirts with him after an international fixture, because he was a Leeds player.
"After the game, we had just been beaten 5-1, he played like the superstar he is and ripped us apart. After the game I went to shake hands with him and he said to me 'can we swap shirts?'. I think if you watch the clip, I smile and walk on. He shouted at me and said 'we will do it now', we swap shirts and whispered into my ear 'marching on together. I follow Leeds'. Looking back now, I have been smiling and laughing on camera when we have just been hammered 5-1, it probably wasn't the smartest of things!"
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