Leading the line for Manchester City at Wembley in the Emirates FA Cup Final on Saturday will be Erling Haaland, as he looks to keep on writing his name in the record books.
The Norwegian striker has scored with such alarming and clinical regularity since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund last summer that his exploits have bamboozled defenders and stunned onlookers.
Haaland has scored 36 Premier League goals and collectively, he’s scored the most goals (52) by a Premier League player in all competitions. It could’ve been more too; he’s hit the bar five times, missed 26 ‘big’ chances…Imagine.
And while City have already lifted the league title, there is some unfinished business against United at Wembley, and another trophy – the second of three currently available – to be won…
In 2014, you were at Wembley Stadium with your dad to watch City win the League Cup against Sunderland. Does it feel special that you now have the chance to win the Emirates FA Cup, at the same stadium nine years on?
It’s very special. It was a special moment to win here in the semi-final against Sheffield United and a great feeling that we want to share again. Now we want to do the same in the Final, but we know we have tough opponents ahead of us. We’re excited and ready for this match.
Did you watch the FA Cup when you were young? What were your earliest memories of the competition?
Everyone who follows football knows how historic and special this competition is, especially in England. Of course, Yaya Toure’s goal against Stoke City to win City the FA Cup in 2011 is a moment I remember and one that was so special for our fans.
It’s obviously your first season at the club, but have you got a sense of what the FA Cup means to Manchester City from the other players in the squad?
When you play for a club like Manchester City you have to fight for every single trophy. The FA Cup is a trophy the club hasn’t won for four years and we want to change that. Everyone is really excited to get to Wembley to play this Final.
What do you make of the rivalry with Manchester United?
We know how important this match is for the fans. We want to make them proud and we will give everything to try and make them happy. We had an amazing result at the Etihad in the Premier League which was a very special day in my first Manchester derby, before a frustrating result in the away fixture. We need another big performance to try and get the win.
What is the thing you most enjoy about playing in this Manchester City side?
I love playing in this team with my teammates. We have an amazing group here and it’s so special to play in this side. Everyone has the same ambition and hunger every day to be the best and that is something I love. After lifting the Premier League a few weeks ago in front of our fans, our focus turned to the next challenge straight after.
What is your favourite goal so far this season?
It’s hard to pick a favourite goal, I enjoy all of my goals. The goal against Dortmund at home earlier this season was special, the third goal to secure my hat-trick against United at the Etihad, and maybe my second goal away to Southampton.
Read the full interview with Haaland, along with the thoughts of Pep Guardiola, Ilkay Gundogan and much more in the official Emirates FA Cup Final match programme. Pre-order a copy here.
