Haaland fulfills his promise to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba
Erling Haaland keeps promise to Didier Drogba with Man City goal celebration
Manchester City star Erling Haaland scored twice in the Champions League win over Young Boys on Tuesday.
Erling Haaland fulfilled his promise to Didier Drogba on Tuesday by reenacting the Chelsea legend’s goal celebration.
Manchester City secured their passage to the Champions League knock-out stages with two games to spare on Tuesday night with a comfortable 3-0 win over Young Boys. All that’s left to decide is who takes the top spot between the Blues and RB Leipzig, while Young Boys and Red Star Belgrade duke it out for third place and a spot in the Europa League.
Haaland was a surprising name on the teamsheet after he went off during the weekend’s win over Bournemouth at half-time with a knock. Though the blow proved not to be serious and he was back in training on Monday, the striker still wasn’t expected to be risked by Pep Guardiola with Chelsea looming on the weekend.
But risked he was and it paid off with Haaland adding another two goals to his tally. The Norwegian tucked in a penalty for the opener and when wheeling away in celebration he pumped out his arms to the side as Drogba used to do after his goals in his Chelsea heyday.
Haaland had promised his fellow striker he would do his celebration at the next opportunity at last week’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, which Drogba co-hosted. Gary Linekar was also at the event and the Ivorian icon urged Haaland to pull out either of their celebrations when he next scored.
City’s No.9 replied: “We’ll see next goal. I celebrate in the moment, so I’ll think of both of you when I score my next goal and will decide!” Haaland would keep to his word by honouring Drogba after his goal.
Phil Foden put City two to the good with a scintillating finish before Haaland grabbed his second with a rocket from the edge of the box into the top corner. The only downside to the night for City was the latest injury picked up by John Stones, who is now set for a lengthy absence with a muscle problem.
The transfer window has been a hectic one and City have been busy, with high-profile signings and sales aplenty.
City snapped up Croatian pair Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol from Chelsea and RB Leipzig respectively with the latest addition being Jeremy Doku. Wolves’ Matheus Nunes then joined the Blues on deadline day. In terms of outgoings, Treble winner Ilkay Gundogan departed for Barcelona, Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez moved to Saudi Arabia, and Cole Palmer completed a shock move to Chelsea.
Our team of City experts will be on top of all the goings-on at the Etihad across deadline day and beyond, and you can get the latest updates and inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community below.