I can develop a lot under Guardiola: Haaland

Erling Haaland believes he will only improve working under Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola after completing his transfer from Borussia Dortmund to the English champions on Monday. 

City announced last month they had beaten off competition from Europe’s top clubs to agree a deal with the German giants after triggering Haaland’s reported £51 million ($63 million) release clause.

The 21-year-old has now signed a five-year contract to follow in the footsteps of his father Alfie Inge Haaland, who played for City between 2000 and 2003.

“I was born in England, I’ve been a City fan my whole life, I know a lot about the club,” Haaland told Man City TV on why he choose the Etihad as the destination for the next stage of his career.

“In the end (it was) two things; I feel at home here and also I think I can develop and get the best out of my game at City.”

Haaland had almost his pick of Europe’s top clubs thanks to a buyout clause below his market value and a stunning record of 86 goals in 89 games for Dortmund.

He also now has 20 goals in 21 international appearances after scoring five times in four games this month for Norway.

The arrival of one of world football’s biggest talents ends City’s search for a specialist striker to succeed the club’s all-time record goalscorer Sergio Aguero, who left Manchester last year.

City’s attempt to sign England captain Harry Kane from Tottenham fell short last summer, but Guardiola’s men still had enough to pip Liverpool by a point to win a fourth Premier League title in five seasons.

Guardiola has often preferred a system without a recognised striker, but Haaland is confident the two will be the perfect match.

“I think I can develop a lot under Pep and in this club. I think I can get better in a lot of things and hopefully I can score a lot of goals,” added Haaland.

“I’ve spoken a little bit with him and we both look forward to working together.”