Erling Haaland was bitterly disappointed not to be able to play at the World Cup in Qatar
Erling Haaland is planning a warm welcome for Julian Alvarez despite being left turned off by the World Cup.
Haaland, seen as the biggest superstar in Norwegian sports, was desperate to take his country to Qatar and was left seething at having to watch others showcase their skills in football’s biggest tournament after his own side failed to qualify. While Manchester City will be happy that the 22-year-old had the chance to rest after a recent injury, Haaland wanted to be making headlines on the other side of the world.
However, the City No.9 was pleased to see his club teammate lift the trophy. Alvarez displaced Lautaro Martinez from the Argentina starting XI during the tournament and started the final as they defeated France in a fitting end to a thrilling tournament.
Alvarez is expected to return to City soon after enjoying some time off to celebrate and recuperate before coming back to Manchester. When he does, he can anticipate his striking partner to put his own World Cup disappointments behind him.
“It’s a bummer not playing there when you can see your friends and team-mates playing and talking about it afterwards,” Haaland told Viaplay. “What can I do? I have to try to get Norway there next time and enjoy the time I wasn’t playing.
“But of course it stings, it stings watching every game from the couch at home. People scoring and winning games. It stings but it’s the way it is.
“But I’m happy for Alvarez, I’m going to give him a big hug when I see him.”
Source: manchestereveningnews.com
