Man City striker non-committal on new deal

Striker Erling Haaland has called his time at Manchester City “fantastic” and spoken of his hope that manager Pep Guardiola “stays for a long time” – but the two-time Premier League top scorer would not say whether he will extend his contract.

Haaland was linked with a move to Real Madrid midway through last season, when the 23-year-old’s 27 top-flight goals helped City retain the title.

“I’ve had two fantastic years and have three years left,” Haaland told TV2, adding that he had failed to “deliver” at times during 2023/24 because of injuries. “That’s really all I can say.”

Haaland broke the Premier League goals record for a single season by netting 36 times during his debut campaign following his £52 million move to City from Borussia Dortmund.

City’s latest triumph came at the expense of one of Haaland’s Norway team-mates, Martin Odegaard, whose Arsenal side sustained their challenge but finished second.

The Gunners’ best hope of overhauling dominant City may come when Guardiola leaves, with reports claiming the six-time Premier League winner will consider his future this summer.

Haaland: Liverpool ‘haven’t had fun’

“You shouldn’t worry too much when you win the league by two points,” Haaland said of Odegaard. “Me and Martin are good friends.

“It is not just football that applies to. There are other human things that are more important than football. Do I feel sorry for him? Martin has been one of the Premier League’s best players this year. It’s absolutely fantastic.

“But imagine how Liverpool have fared in the last five years. It probably hasn’t been so fun for them either.

“Of course, I hope [Guardiola] stays for a long time. But in any case, City is a club that will have one of the best coaches regardless, both before and after Pep’s era. The day he quits, I’m sure a solid coach will come in.”

Euro 2024: Norway future ‘big’

In a tough Uefa Euro 2024 qualifying group, single-goal home defeats to Spain and Scotland, who both reached the finals, led to Norway missing out on a place in Germany this month.

“I delivered for the national team and we were close,” said Haaland. “It’s crazy. We should have been [there] but we are not. It’s about the last little bit… it was close, but not close enough. In the end, that is what decides it.

“When you’re not good enough there, you don’t go to the championship. Then you won’t win things. It applies at all different levels. The answer is that simple.

“Of course, I feel a great responsibility for that. I have felt that for a long time. It is a large part of my responsibility that Norway reaches a championship, as I know.

“We have a great future. I’ve been saying that for a long time. The future is big and bright, and we can hope this generation manages to do something.”

Norway’s last participation in a major tournament was their only Euro appearance, exiting after the group stage of the 2000 finals.