Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his delight after Erling Haaland signed a groundbreaking new contract with the club, extending his stay for the next decade.
The 24-year-old striker, who joined City in 2022 from Borussia Dortmund, has been in sensational form, scoring 111 goals in just 126 appearances.
This new contract, which will keep Haaland at the club until at least 2034, represents a major commitment to Manchester City during a season that has been more challenging than expected. Despite the struggles on the pitch, the signing of such a long-term deal by Haaland is seen as a vote of confidence in the club’s future.
Guardiola, who spoke to the press hours after the announcement of Haaland’s contract extension, described it as “exceptional news” for the club and the Premier League champions.
The length of the contract, he explained, reflects Haaland’s belief in the club’s ongoing potential. Guardiola emphasized that this type of deal had never been seen before and that it signals Haaland’s desire to remain part of Manchester City’s ambitious project.
“It’s exceptional news for all of us,” said Guardiola in a pre-match press conference. “When one player decides to sign this type of contract, never done before, it’s because he wants to show how desperate he is to be here.”
When asked why Haaland had agreed to such a long-term commitment, Guardiola suggested that the striker’s deep connection with the club played a major role.
“I think what happened is that he loves the club, the people he’s around, he loves the Premier League, he loves to be here with his wife and now his father,” Guardiola explained. “I think he visualized that there is no better place that I could be right now in the next 10 years, I would say. That’s why he and his family decided to do this step.”
While some might wonder whether a long contract could lessen Haaland’s hunger for success, Guardiola has no concerns. He is confident that Haaland’s drive will remain as strong as ever.
“I didn’t speak to him about his motivation,” Guardiola said. “I think it’s winning the next game and scoring goals. I don’t have the feeling now he has the contract he will take a nap. I don’t think this will happen. He loves to play and he is a huge competitor.”
Guardiola went on to highlight that, despite difficult moments, Haaland is always able to bounce back quickly, focusing on what’s next instead of dwelling on past challenges.
Since joining City, Haaland has helped the club secure a treble of Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup titles in his first season, and they also made history with a record-breaking fourth consecutive top-flight title last season.
However, this season has been more difficult for the team, with City currently sitting in sixth place in the Premier League and trailing 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool.
