Haaland used to play for Solskjaer at Molde
Erling Haaland has revealed that he received a congratulatory message from his former manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, following his move to Manchester City.
Haaland joined City from Borussia Dortmund this summer after the Premier League champions activated his release clause, beating several other clubs to his signature.
One of those interested in signing the Norway international was Manchester United when Solskjaer was in charge at Old Trafford.
The former Red Devils boss worked with Haaland when the pair were at Molde together and the 21-year-old forward says he owes a lot to Solskjaer for helping him succeed in his career.
He [Solskjaer] has had a huge impact on my life, both as a person and as a trainer,” Haaland told TV2 in September, 2019. “He won the Champions League and was an incredibly good player. He has taught me a lot.”
Solskajer congratulated Haaland…kind of
The pair have remained in touch ever since and upon his arrival at the Etihad Stadium Haaland revealed his former boss sent him a message congratulating him. Well, sort of…
“When I signed with City he congratulated me and wrote to me ‘Good luck on going to the wrong side of Manchester,” he told the Manchester Evening News.
“We talk sometimes. As you know, he had a huge impact on my career when I was at Molde. He’s a good guy.”
Haaland has begun his pre-season preparations for his new side and could make his competitive debut for the side in the Community Shield against Liverpool on Sunday July, 31.
The Norwegian could then make his Premier League debut the following week away to West Ham United at the London Stadium.
Related links:
- Eduoard Mendy claims preparing for Haaland ‘not that different’ to Christian Benteke
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer turns down chance to manage at the World Cup
- Luke Shaw aims subtle dig at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick with Erik ten Hag praise