Manchester City’s talisman Erling Haaland has become a father, manager Pep Guardiola announced. Fresh from netting his 14th Premier League goal in a crucial 2-0 victory over Leicester City, the Norwegian striker has even more to celebrate as he steps into parenthood.. Guardiola sent his congratulations and reflected on Haaland’s recent challenges, stating: “Sometimes Erling has been judged badly but it’s part of football.. “He’s tired, he’s played a lot of minutes. He’s become a father for the first time in the last few days, a lot of emotions and an exciting few days for him.”. In October, during international duty, Haaland seemed to hint at the news on social media; he shared an image of himself with a ball under his shirt while sucking his thumb, alongside emojis implying a baby was on the way.. The revelation wasn’t a surprise to everyone. Sander Berge, Haaland’s international teammate, expressed to Dagbladet newspaper: “I have known this forever.. “I am very happy for him. It is very nice to know that he will become a father together with his partner, Isabel. I look forward to following their journey as parents.”. The Fulham midfielder, a close friend of Haaland, reportedly got wind of the baby news over the summer. “There are many fathers in the team now. The national team manager in 25 years’ time faces a bright future,” quipped manager Stale Solbakken, indicating that Haaland’s post was how most of his teammates found out.. Despite the recent arrival of his child, Haaland has been active during the busy festive period, playing on December 21st and 26th, and then again on the 29th against Leicester, where he ended a three-game goal drought. With City’s next game not until Saturday against West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium, the formidable striker will now have some extra time to spend at home.
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