Erling Haaland said the charges facing Manchester City had no impact on him signing a huge new nine-and-a-half year deal at the club.
The Norwegian striker has penned a deal that will keep him at the Etihad until 2034 and making him one of sport’s highest-paid players.
City are awaiting the outcome of their disciplinary hearing into their alleged 115 breaches of Premier League financial rules, which could result in points deductions and even relegation.
Asked whether the hearing had any affect on whether to sign his new deal, Haaland said: “No, I haven’t thought of that or anything.
“I am confident that the club know what they are doing and I really don’t think I should speak too much about this.”
It is alleged City breached the Premier League’s financial rules between 2009 and 2018. City strongly deny all charges, with the private hearing taking place between September and December.
@ManCity 🩵 pic.twitter.com/FpNtWcID23
— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) January 19, 2025
Long-term deal a ‘really good sign’
The 24-year-old has scored 112 goals in 127 games since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
Haaland’s new deal is the longest in Premier League history, eclipsing the nine-year deal Cole Palmer penned last summer.
“It is a really good sign,” added Haaland. “Of course it is a bit unusual, it is not normal and that is also something I like.
“It felt good for both parties and in the end it was an easy choice.”
Before joining City in 2022, Haaland’s father Alfie said the forward would like to play in all of Europe’s top leagues during his career having ticked off the Bundesliga and the Premier League so far.
“Those are his words, not mine,” Haaland said when told of his father’s comments.
“I think when I signed for City I felt like it was home. I really meant it.
“I feel so happy, my family is so happy. In the end that is what I wanted. The people I spoke with made me convinced that this was the right choice.
“In the end, when I spoke with people we came to this and it felt really good. I really look forward to spending so many more years in Manchester, it’s going to be amazing.
“I feel like a really positive energy in the club. It’s been a hard period, everyone knows that. We’ve trained really good, we’re over that now and we’re looking ahead, look forward to tomorrow.”
Haaland not thinking about Real Madrid
Haaland has been linked with Real Madrid throughout his career and was asked whether he “regretted” that his new deal would make a move to the Bernabeu more difficult.
“I just signed a nine-year deal, what do want me to say?” Haaland responded.
“Of course I’m happy. I’m super happy with my choice and looking forward to many years in Manchester.”