SOCCER
What did Erling Haaland say about Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?
The Manchester City star was also asked about his rivalry with Kylian Mbappé as the two forwards prepare to battle it out for the Ballon d’Or.
Earlier this month Erling Haaland was named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year after an incredible, treble-winning season with Manchester City.
He has been named in the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or and, still just 23 years old, could dominate the sport for the next decade.
In an interview with France Football, Haaland was asked if he and Kylian Mbappé could soon have a rivalry like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. But the Norwegian striker insisted that the duo’s achievements are incomparable.
“That’s what everyone thinks, but you have to emphasise just how crazy the things Messi and Cristiano have done,” Haaland explained.
“You also have to remember that they’re still doing it, even if they’re getting older. They’re still fantastic players.”
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What did Erling Haaland say about Kylian Mbappé?
Many in the game believe that Haaland and Mbappé are the heirs apparent to the iconic ‘El Clásico’ rivalry. For nearly two decades Messi and Ronaldo have not only competed for club honours and individual awards, but also for their place in the pantheon of soccer’s greats.
However Haaland insisted that he is not interested in comparisons with Mbappé and would prefer to concentrate on his own game.
“But I never talk about myself being against other players, it’s not my way of seeing things. I focus on myself, I only try to be better every day, to continue enjoying what I do and being the best version of myself.”
What does Erling Haaland do in his spare time?
Haaland first shot to global fame in 2019 when he scored nine goals in a game for Norway’s U-20 side. Since then he has been on a relentless upwards trajectory to the very top of the game.
While Haaland may choose not to compare himself to Mbappé, he did admit to watching him frequently on television. The two players have never played in the same country, meeting only once before in a Champions League tie, and Haaland was asked if he ever watches the Frenchman play.
“Yes, of course, I watch a lot of football on TV,” Haaland said. “I love football.”
“I’ve always loved it, and you could say it takes up all of my time, whether professionally or in my life. But there are so many games and training sessions that I have to think about recovery too.”
Haaland has had time to rest over the international break. The City striker was an unused sub in Norway’s 6-0 victory over Jordan last week. However he is expected to start when his side take on Georgia on Tuesday.