Erling Haaland has signed an extension with Manchester City, committing himself to the club until 2034 in what is one of the most significant contracts in Premier League history. This long-term agreement secures the Norwegian striker's presence at the Etihad Stadium for the foreseeable future, solidifying his position as a prolific goal scorer and one of the deadliest forwards in world football.

Upon signing the deal, Haaland expressed his excitement and contentment. "I’m really happy to have signed my new contract and to look forward to spending even more time at this great club. Manchester City is a special club, full of fantastic people with amazing fans, and it’s the kind of environment that brings out the best in everyone," said the forward in a statement to the club’s official media.

"No Matter What Happens"

Haaland’s extension comes as a statement of intent, both for him and for the club. In a video shared earlier in the morning, the striker, wearing nothing but his shorts in the snow, declared his commitment with the message "Here to stay." This was followed by a photo with director of football Txiki Begiristain, just hours before the club made the announcement official.

Perhaps the most revealing quote in Haaland's message was, "Now I’m City, no matter what happens." This suggests that his desire to remain at the club is no longer tied to the future of manager Pep Guardiola. While Haaland has often praised Guardiola for his leadership and dedication, his words now indicate a deep-rooted commitment to City, regardless of future managerial changes.

The Influence of Guardiola

Haaland went on to highlight the influence Guardiola has had on his career, "It’s a pleasure working with him. Not only because he’s the best, but also because he’s the hardest working person I’ve seen. People think it's just this or that, but the number of hours he puts in is motivating and inspiring to see." He also expressed his desire for high standards, saying, "I want people to demand a lot from me and put pressure on me."

Txiki Begiristain, City’s football director, also praised the signing: "We are absolutely delighted that Erling has signed his new contract. The fact that he’s signed for so many years shows our commitment to him as a player and his love for this club. He has already had an incredible impact here, and his incredible numbers and records speak for themselves."

Haaland’s decision to extend his stay at City is a major statement of intent, and it’s clear that both the player and the club are excited for the future.