Just in: Erling Haaland l0st his Dad due to….see more

Erling Haaland, a striker for Manchester City, told El Chiringuito that his son would eventually sign with Real Madrid.

The Manchester City and Leeds United player expressed his feelings following his second-place finish to Lionel Messi for the Men’s Player 2023 award at FIFA’s The Best presentation on Monday.

Finished third with 35 points, level with Messi on 48, was Haaland, who won the treble at the Etihad last season. Another Real Madrid target, Kylian Mbappe, came in third.

However, just 11 captains thought the Argentine was the best male player in the world, therefore the fact that 13 captains voted for him prevented Haaland from taking home the prize.

During the London prize ceremony, Alfe-Inge Haaland was harassed by Marcos Bento of El Chiringuito.

When asked what he thought about Messi beating his son even though they had the same number of points, he responded, “Congratulations to Messi.”

Then, citing what many have perceived as controversial standards on social media, Haaland senior said that there was “no problem” with Messi winning even if it was “very good” that the two players had drawn.

Then, El Chiringuito questioned Alfe-Inge on his son’s chances of ever playing for Real Madrid.

“Of course. Furthermore, everyone has an opportunity to play,” the Norwegian remarked with a giggle.

When asked if he “wants that his son wants” to sign with Los Blancos, Haaland senior said, “He’s very happy at City at the moment, so I think we concentrate about that.”

Alfe-Inge also refused to elaborate on whether Erling’s City contract contained a release clause that, according to AS, would enable Madrid or another Spanish powerhouse like FC Barcelona to purchase him for $109 million (€100 million) as opposed to the $218 million (€200 million) that was first reported.

“I don’t think we should talk about [the] contract right now,” Alfe-Inge replied with a smile. The 23-year-old tried to leave when asked how much it really cost, but he ended up laughing.

These comments are unlikely to impress city supporters. However, they may also inspire hope among El Clasico supporters that Haaland’s ambition of playing in La Liga would materialise in the following seasons.

Tom Sanderson

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