Erling Haaland has once again played down comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, insisting he doesn’t belong in the same story as two of modern football’s legends.
Ahead of this week’s Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund, the humble Manchester City striker stressed that his focus will remain on scoring goals and improving his game, rather than competing with the sport’s all-time greats.
Haaland continued his excellent form this season, scoring twice for his team against Bournemouth at the weekend.
Erling Haaland expresses his life as it is
The Norwegian attacker has scored 13 goals in 10 Premier League appearances for City this season.
He has scored four goals in three appearances in the Champions League, and the striker will be hoping to continue his form against Dortmund in the Champions League.
When asked about being named alongside Ronaldo and Messi, who have dominated world football for nearly 20 years, Haaland was quick to dismiss the idea.
“No, not at all! No one can get close to those two, so it’s no good.” Fabrizio Romano reports that he said this with a smile.
“I’m just Erling, a Norwegian player who scores goals. That hasn’t changed.”
Haaland’s comments reflect his down-to-earth attitude despite his rapid rise in world football.
Since joining Man City in 2022, the 25-year-old has broken records at an incredible pace, winning the Premier League’s Golden Boot award, the Champions League award and the UEFA Player of the Year award, an achievement that rightly rivals the dominance previously displayed by Ronaldo and Messi.
Haaland recognizes both Messi and Ronaldo
However, the Norwegian forward has often stressed that he admires the pair rather than seeing them as rivals.
Haaland continues to break the scoring record at an astonishing rate, but remains humble about his place in the game.
For football fans, Erling Haaland’s humility and ruthless efficiency in front of goal make him one of the most fascinating figures in the game today.
Man City fans will be wondering how they will buy tickets for Man City vs. Borussia Dortmund to watch Haaland in action at the Etihad Stadium this week.
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