Erling Haaland has questioned why he should answer for Manchester City's financial rule breaches, pointing out that he was still a child when the period under investigation began.
The 26-year-old spoke after scoring in Norway's 3-1 Nations League victory over Wales.
City were found guilty of serious financial rule breaches by an independent Premier League commission in September, but have appealed against the findings.
Haaland questions why he should answer for City
Speaking to Norwegian broadcaster TV2, Haaland questioned why he was being asked about events that predated his arrival at Manchester City in 2022.
"In 2009, I was playing for Bryne Under-9s," Haaland said.
"It's a case between the Premier League and Manchester City that is being handled by a commission. Am I really the person who should answer questions about it? I don't think so."
The striker also suggested that questions about the proceedings were designed to generate headlines.
"I understand that you want a good headline, but I signed a fairly long-term contract at the end of 2024," he added.
City's appeal remains ongoing, with any potential sanctions subject to the outcome of the proceedings.
Solbakken and Bellamy defend Haaland
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken supported his striker, arguing that he should not be personally associated with events that occurred before he joined City.
"This is a situation and a case in which he isn't really involved, because everything happened before he arrived at the club," Solbakken said.
He also criticised the use of Haaland's image in coverage of the case.
"It's incredibly unfair that he appears in 80 per cent of the pictures when this case is covered by media around the world," Solbakken added.
"That's completely absurd."
Wales manager Craig Bellamy agreed that the focus should remain on international football.
"I don't think Haaland should be getting questions about Manchester City when he's with the national team," Bellamy said.
"It should be exclusively about the national team."
Haaland scored his 66th international goal in Norway's victory over Wales and now prepares for Tuesday's Nations League meeting with Denmark.
Key Points
- Haaland questioned why he should answer for City's financial breaches, which predate his arrival.
- Solbakken criticised the media's treatment of the striker.
- Bellamy argued that Haaland should face questions about Norway rather than Manchester City.
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *