Pep Guardiola gives spicy response to sections of Spanish media after Erling Haaland linked with Real Madrid
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gave an irritated response when asked about reports linking Erling Haaland with a move to Real Madrid.
The Norwegian returned to action this week after two months out with a stress fracture in his foot.
The striker came off the bench in City's 3-1 win over Brentford on Wednesday to give the Premier League champions a huge boost ahead of the title race.
But his return coincided with reports in Spain claiming the 23-year-old is unhappy in Manchester and looking to move to the La Liga giants.
Haaland was linked with a move to the Spanish capital before sealing a move to City in 2022 and has previously revealed his ambition to represent real Madrid at some stage of his career.
Ahead of Manchester City's trip to Brentford on Monday, Guardiola was asked about the rumors and whether there was any truth to the reports.
“You have to ask the media in Madrid, maybe they have more information than us,” Guardiola said. “We don't have that feeling.”
“He couldn't play for two months because he was injured, but perhaps the media in Spain, and especially in Madrid, have more information than we do. We can't say that he hasn't adapted quickly and that he hasn't been well since he arrived.
“It's the level he showed since he arrived on the first day. We can't control what people say. When he's not happy, he'll make his decision.”
Haaland, just 18 months into his five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, had a £150m release clause that could be activated in 2024, removed last year.
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It was later removed pep guardiola He extended his contract as coach until 2025.
The Norwegian has scored an incredible 71 goals in 76 games since joining City from Borussia Dortmund for a bargain £52m.
Haaland was the catalyst that led the Manchester club to a historic treble last season, when City won the Champions League, the Premier League and the FA Cup.
