Erling Haaland has admitted that he was signed by Manchester City last summer to help them win their first Champions League.
The Norwegian striker equalled Lionel Messi’s record of five goals in a Champions League knockout game last night as his side defeated RB Leipzig 7-0 at the Etihad.
His five-goal haul helped Manchester City progress into the quarter-finals of the competition and after the game, he revealed the reason why he thinks the club decided to recruit him from Borussia Dortmund.
He said: “Of course the club wants to win the Champions League.
“They’ve won four out of the last five Premier League titles. They didn’t bring me in to win the Premier League because they already know how to win it.
“So, you can read between the lines. I’m here to try to help the club develop even more and to win the Champions League for the first time.”
Haaland’s performance was another monumental night to add to his collection this season.
The 22-year-old has now scored 39 goals in 36 games across all competitions, including ten goals in six Champions League matches.
The forward also became the youngest player in Champions League history to score 30 goals in the competition, as well requiring the fewest appearances to reach the tally.
Despite his record-equalling performance, he said he remains focussed on improving.
He added: “I knew I was going to score goals because, last season, how many did they score? Probably 100. When I saw them without a striker and they were crossing the ball in, I was like ‘ah, I’d love to be there!’
“But there is so much potential in this team and I think we can improve a lot. It’s an easy thing to say but I could have scored more goals. I missed a lot of chances.
“I can get better in everything. I have to be much better – heading, combining, everything.”
City’s performance emphatically dispelled any concerns after their 1-1 draw in the first leg last month.
Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne also got on the scoresheet as they wrapped up an 8-1 aggregate scoreline.
“The feeling is amazing,” said Haaland, who has now scored five hat-tricks this season. “It’s a statement to the tournament, a tournament I love. I’m really proud and happy.”
Manchester City are next in action against Burnley in the FA Cup quarter-finals this Saturday.
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