Haaland Reveals World Cup Emotions, Set Man City Goal Target

• Erling Haaland was absent from the World Cup as his country Norway failed to qualify
• The Manchester City striker proved the rest was useful and scored three goals already
• He said he was angry throughout the tournament and put the Premier League on notice

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was one of the top stars who missed the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Norway failed to qualify for the tournament, meaning he got ample time to rest and regain full fitness from a foot injury.

However, the Norwegian goal machine has opened up on the feelings he had throughout the World Cup, including anger at missing out and eagerness to score goals and win games.

The rest proved important for Haaland, who has scored three goals in two competitive games for Man City since club football returned. He got two last night against the club his father, Alfie was playing for when he was born.

Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer: Is CR7 leaving Manchester United and which clubs are likely to acquire him?

Football

Haaland talks goals target

The former Dortmund striker set a new record last night by becoming the fastest player to reach 20 Premier League goals, a feat achieved in just 14 games - seven faster than the previous record.

Speaking to Amazon Prime Sport after the match, he was quoted by the Athletic as saying he has a goal target, but did not reveal the exact number.

“I have a target but I cannot say it. I just said inside the dressing room that I could have scored five, but the most important thing is that we won.”

World Cup miss motivated Haaland

Haaland also delivered a chilling message to the rest of the Premier League, saying he is more motivated and hungrier after sitting at home for the duration of the World Cup.

Lionel Messi goals: 15 of the best goals by The Messiah of football

Football

“I’ve been at home, a bit mad that I’ve not been at the World Cup. I recharged my batteries. Watching other people score to win games at the World Cup triggered, motivated and irritated me. I’m more hungry than ever.”

KDB: Haaland can score 800

Sports Brief earlier reported that Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has backed Haaland to score 800 goals in his career and reach the heights of Messi and Ronaldo.

De Bruyne was surprised the Norwegian has scored over 200 goals at the age of only 22, and believes that he can reach higher targets if he maintains fitness throughout his career.

The former Salzburg striker has 26 goals already for Man City in his first season, including three hat-tricks in just 19 competitive games.