New Delhi, Aug 23 (IANS) Erling Haaland will take the pitch for the start of Manchester City’s Premier League campaign against AFC Bournemouth with a new look. The Norwegian striker has trimmed off his hair, leaving his traditional long, tied-back look. Haaland took to social media to share a video of his new look.
The striker has been one of the most popular football stars. His long, tied-back hair was a common look whenever he took the field for City. But a new look will surely enthral the fans as he steps onto the pitch for City’s first game of the season against The Cherries at the Etihad Stadium.
Haaland will be at the centre of the focus yet again as City look to push for the title after falling short of Arsenal last year. The Norwegian striker netted 27 goals and was the top goalscorer. He also provided eight assists.
Haaland was recently seen in action in the FA Community Shield final, where City lost 3-0 to Arsenal. He also played in his first-ever FIFA World Cup after Norway qualified for the global showpiece for the first time in 28 years.
Meanwhile, City enter the new season under new manager Enzo Maresca, who will have a tough task to curb him as he takes over from Pep Guardiola, who had a glittering tenure at the Etihad Stadium.
City are without their star midfielder Rodri, who signed with Spanish club Barcelona for a sum of £65.4 million. He is considered one of the best midfielders currently, having helped Spain win the FIFA World Cup 2026 and bagging the Golden Ball.
Maresca has admitted that he will have to find a new Rodri but highlighted that it is not a problem. “I’ll try to find a new Rodri — it is what it is,” Maresca said. “Rodri, before he arrived here, he didn’t win the Ballon d’Or, he didn’t win the Champions League, he didn’t win the Club World Cup. Then he joined the club, and then after that he achieved many important things. Now the target for us is to try to find the new Rodri.”
“When David Silva was here, everyone was worried — Kevin [De Bruyne] arrived. When Sergio Agüero was here, everyone was worried — Erling [Haaland] arrived. When Fernandinho left, Rodri arrived. It’s just about this.
“When they leave, you need to be good and recruit the next one. They are all similar — David, Kevin, Fernandinho, Rodri, Agüero, Erling. It’s just normal; it’s a change. It’s not a problem; just go again and try to do the right things,” he added.
–IANS
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