Erling Haaland has called on Manchester City to remain united and positive as they prepare to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, days after the club were found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations.
An independent commission ruled during the international break that City had committed all the alleged breaches relating to the league’s financial rules between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. The commission also found the club guilty of the majority of charges concerning their failure to co-operate with the Premier League’s investigation.
City have appealed against the verdict and continue to deny any wrongdoing. The case has nevertheless created major uncertainty around the Premier League, with the club having won the title three times during the period covered by the charges.
Their players are likely to face a hostile reception at Anfield, but Haaland is looking forward to returning to Liverpool. The Norway striker scored the winning goal on City’s last visit there in February.
“We have to stick together. We have to stay with each other, and we have to stay positive,” Haaland told City’s media channels.
“No matter what happens in life, we always have to have a smile. We have to stay positive, look ahead and try to win football games and try to enjoy the situation and win the game.
“We have to spread the love to each other. So yeah, stick together, enjoy the ride and smile.”
Haaland joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and has since collected eight major honours. His successes include two Premier League titles and the 2022-23 Champions League.
He has scored 169 goals in 205 appearances in all competitions during that time, underlining his reputation as one of the most prolific finishers in world football.
The 26-year-old, whose father Alf-Inge Haaland previously played for City, also spoke about his strong connection with the club and with Manchester during the uncertainty surrounding the team.
“I care a lot about this place – and the UK generally. My mother as well as my father, they lived here for 10 years – they lived in Nottingham and Leeds.
“They never lived in Manchester, but obviously my father trained over at Carrington every day.
“I spent my first four years here, my brother nine and my sister six, so it’s a special place for us. I care a lot about City, I have to say.
“I care a lot about the fans because I’m a fan myself – I feel it with them as well.”
