Julian Alvarez has revealed Boca Juniors is Erling Haaland’s “secret” team and the Manchester City striker has an infatuation for Argentine football.
It is no secret that, despite his allegiance to Norway, Haaland was born in Leeds and has publicly shown his affection towards the Whites in the past. In December, the 33-goal striker refused to celebrate his two goals against United as a mark of respect.
Two years ago, Haaland surprised football fans when, after scoring a brace for Norway in a 5-1 win over Northern Ireland, requested Leeds star Stuart Dallas’ shirt at the full-time whistle. However, according to Alvarez, a lifelong River Plate fan, his loyalties lie elsewhere…
Read more: Diogo Monteiro making Leeds United impression as training ground conduct and potential outlined
“Beyond what we all know about football, Haaland is a good boy,” he told TyC Sports. “He helps me, we talk and, from the outside, I try to look at him to learn. When I arrived he told me that he was for Boca and told me about La Bombonera (Boca’s stadium).
“I think he was with Leonardo Balerdi in Borussia Dortmund and that was a bit of an influence. Let’s see if we change it little by little, it’s going to be difficult but we’re going to try.”
Former teammate Balerdi left Boca Juniors to pursue a career at Dortmund in 2019. Now at Marseille, the 24-year-old has spoken about how he indoctrinated Haaland while the two shared a dressing room.
“I drove him crazy with Boca, I showed him videos of fans, photos of the stadium and everything related to Boca,” Balerdi said in 2021. “I told him what it felt like to play in La Bombonera, which was something unique.
“He became a fan of Boca and to this day we are in contact and every time he sees a video of Boca he sends it to me.
“He annoys me and asks ‘When are we going?’ So hopefully one day he’ll have to experience that. He asked me to send him a Boca shirt with the No9 on it. He’s quite a fan, I’m going to keep driving him crazy.”
READ NEXT:
- Leeds United survival rests on Javi Gracia's ability to find what they've missed all season long
- Patrick Bamford bullish over Leeds United survival hopes as he opens up on 'calm' Javi Gracia
- 'Missed opportunity' - National media round-up after Leeds United draw with Brighton
- Leeds United news as Brighton's Solly March issues 'frustrating' verdict on Jack Harrison equaliser
- Javi Gracia's first words on Leeds United's Brighton draw as Whites' character shows at Elland Road
