Erling Haaland reveals why he has signed mammoth Man City contract | OneFootball

Erling Haaland says Manchester City is a "special club, full of fantastic people" after signing a huge new contract that will run until the summer of 2034.

The 24-year-old's previous deal was due to expire in 2027, prompting speculation that Real Madrid or Barcelona may look to prise him away with the lure of playing in Spain.

But Haaland is now primed to spend the vast majority of his career with City, after signing a new lucrative nine-and-a-half-year contract that makes him one of professional sport's highest-paid athletes.

"I am really happy to have signed my new contract and to be able to look forward to spending even more time at this great club," Haaland told club channels. "Manchester City is a special club, full of fantastic people with amazing supporters and it’s the type of environment that helps bring the best out of everybody.

"I also want to thank Pep, his coaching staff, my teammates and everyone at the club as they have all helped me so much in the past couple of years. They have made this such a special place to be and now I am City no matter what.

"I want to keep developing, keep working to get better and look to do my best to try and help us achieve more success going forward."

Guardiola also extended his City contract recently / Gareth Copley/GettyImages

Haaland's extension of terms has also been warmly received by the club's director of football, Txiki Begiristain, who is adamant that the Norwegian will create a lasting legacy at City in the years to come.

"Everyone at the club is absolutely delighted that Erling has signed his new contract. The fact he is signed for so long demonstrates our commitment to him as a player, and his love of this club," he said.

"He has made an incredible impact already in his time here and his amazing numbers and records speak for themselves. But in addition to his outstanding natural talent and ability, Erling’s dedication, professionalism, humility and desire to keep getting better sum up what we all strive to achieve at Manchester City.

"He is one of the finest strikers in world football, but Erling is still very young and will only continue to improve working under Pep and his coaching team. If he works hard, which I know he will, he will create an incredible legacy at this football club.

"Now he can focus on his game and continuing to play a huge part in helping us try to achieve even more success."