Erling Haaland, one of Manchester City’s brightest stars, has expressed his personal wish for Pep Guardiola to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium. The Norwegian striker, who has been a revelation since joining City, spoke candidly about his admiration for Guardiola and the impact the Catalan coach has had on his career.
Erling Haaland Sends Heartfelt Message to Pep Guardiola Amid Manchester City Future Speculation
Guardiola, 53, is currently in the final year of his contract with Manchester City, and while the club has given him the space to decide on his future, speculation about his next move has been rife.
According to reports from The Athletic, Guardiola has agreed to a one-year contract extension, potentially extending his already historic tenure at City to a decade, with an additional option for a further year.
During the recent international break, Haaland made it clear where he stands on the matter. Speaking to reporters while on duty with Norway’s national team, the 23-year-old shared his hopes for Guardiola’s future at the club.
“I hope Pep signs a new contract,” Haaland said.
His statement came after another stellar performance in UEFA Nations League action, where he scored a hat-trick against Kazakhstan, further cementing his reputation as one of the world’s most prolific forwards.
Reflecting on his relationship with Guardiola, Haaland added, “He has been important for me in the first two-and-a-half years. I hope he stays longer. I like Pep a lot and hope he likes me, too.”
These words reveal the genuine bond between player and manager, a dynamic that has flourished since Haaland’s arrival in Manchester in the summer of 2022.
Under Guardiola’s guidance, the forward has not only adapted seamlessly to the Premier League but also shattered records, including the league’s single-season goal tally.
Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since joining the club in 2016, he has transformed the team into a footballing powerhouse, winning multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and, most notably, the UEFA Champions League in 2023.
For Haaland, Guardiola’s influence goes beyond tactical instructions; it’s about trust, growth, and the pursuit of excellence. The striker’s heartfelt plea underscores how much the players value the leadership of the man who has reshaped modern football with his philosophy.
While an official announcement on Guardiola’s future is yet to come, Haaland’s words add a personal dimension to the ongoing narrative. For Manchester City fans, the hope is clear: the bond between their star striker and iconic manager continues to flourish for years to come.
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