Former Manchester City midfielder Alfie Haaland has shared his thoughts on his son Erling Haaland’s injury struggles and the challenges that the club may face in the future.
Erling Haaland, who had been sidelined for a month due to an ankle injury sustained during the FA Cup quarter-final against Bournemouth in March, has returned to first-team training. He is expected to play in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final tie against Nottingham Forest at Wembley.
Since his £53 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Etihad Stadium in 2022, 24-year-old Erling has been a game-changer for Manchester City. In his debut season with the club, he led them to a historic treble and their maiden Champions League title.
Decade-long commitment
In recognition of his outstanding performance since joining the team, Manchester City offered Erling a remarkable 10-year contract extension in fall 2024. This agreement ensures that this Norwegian international will remain with the club until summer 2034.
Despite what many consider as an underwhelming season for Pep Guardiola's side still battling for a top-five Premier League finish spot, Erling has managed impressive stats. He scored 30 goals and provided four assists across all competitions in just 40 appearances.
Overcoming challenges amidst underperformance
This season saw significant drop-offs from key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden which affected overall team performance. Despite these setbacks and less than stellar service this year, Erling continues to deliver results for Manchester City - much like how his father Alfie did during his tenure with the club. Alfie warns that injuries are part of football reality that clubs must accept and manage effectively moving forward. His son's recent struggles serve as a stark reminder of this harsh truth.
Alfie Haaland, Former Man City player and Erling Haaland’s father, said:
“It doesn’t have to be negative, no, but I think he (Erling Haaland) would have wanted to play in the final stretch of the Premier League,”
“He understands that it’s just something you have to accept. He’s getting older, too. A couple of years ago it would probably have been a little different. Now you just have to accept it and build on what you can do something about.”
Erling Haaland's return to the field is eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates alike. His father's insights remind us that while injuries are an unfortunate part of the sport, they also highlight the resilience and determination of players like Erling who continue to perform at high levels despite these challenges. Manchester City will undoubtedly be looking forward to more years of Erling's contributions on and off the pitch.
