Guardiola hails Haaland as one of the best in the world – but Man City boss refuses to speculate on transfer links
ERLING HAALAND got the ‘dream’ Champions League draw he wanted — against boyhood favourites Manchester City.
And Pep Guardiola warned his Etihad side the Borussia Dortmund hotshot is one of the best strikers in the world.
Haaland, 20, grew up supporting City — as his dad Alfie was on the books when he was born — and is expected to be a top target for them in the summer.
Until recently he was an active member of Citysnakk — a Facebook group for Scandanavian supporters of the club.
But now he will look to end their European dreams in next month’s quarter-finals.
Boss Pep said: “The numbers speak for themselves, he’s one of the best in the world at his age.
“I saw very few games but I’ve seen highlights and the numbers are impressive. I know the quality of him and I think everyone does.”
Asked if he will look to sign him in the future, Guardiola added: “He’s a player for Dortmund.
“I don’t like it when people talk about our players, so you understand I cannot answer this question.”
Haaland has ten goals in the Champions League so far and is certain to be courted by Europe’s top clubs, either this year or in 2022.
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And City will hope his affection for the club will give them a crucial edge over their rivals.
The Norwegian spent 18 months as part of Citysnakk before quitting last year as people kept pestering him to sign for the club.
His dad Alfie remains a member and one of the group admins said: “It was clear from his time with the group that Erling is a passionate supporter of our club.
“We’re all delighted he is getting his chance to play at the Etihad. It’s a dream draw for him and his family.
“We would love it if one day he is playing there more regularly!”
The draw will also see Jadon Sancho return to his old club after quitting City under a cloud in 2017.
And hopes of an all-English final are still alive. Chelsea and Liverpool are in the other half of the draw to City and face Porto and Real Madrid respectively.
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