- Erling Haaland has renewed his contract for nine and a half years with Manchester City
- The Norwegian superstar has shone for the Premier League giants since his arrival
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Pep Guardiola admitted he was surprised to hear that Erling Haaland had committed his future to Manchester City until 2034.
Haaland's nine-and-a-half-year contract extension at Manchester City will see the superstar striker earn more than £200million if he stays until his contract expires.
The Norwegian signed the biggest contract in Premier League history and the release clauses that have been removed from his extension now make it incredibly difficult for any potential suitors.
Asked his reaction to the news, Guardiola told Sky Sports: “When Ferran told me, I said: 'I'm sorry, can you tell me again?' Because I couldn't believe it. It never happened before. After that it happened, but I don't think anyone pressured the other.
“It's great news for the club, I hope (and hope) that he is happy, otherwise he wouldn't do it.” Having this incredible talent, player and unique striker for the club for the next decade is really important.
“He would not sign a contract if he could not envision his future as a football player at this club, and the potential and the challenge here would be impossible. I am very happy, especially happy that he did it at a time that is not easy for us in terms of results.
Pep Guardiola admitted he was stunned to learn of Erling Haaland's new contract.
Haaland signs astonishing nine-year contract extension with Manchester City
And I think doing it at this time means a lot for the confidence of everyone at this club. You know in 10 years, I don't know what will happen, but you will have different personnel and players.
“So I think he signs, because he sees City in the Premier League, of course, and he sees the potential (and) that the club has been at the top for a decade, for many, many years.
“I think the fact that he likes playing in the Premier League is a great compliment to the Premier League, to the whole organization, to everyone and he wants to play for the club for many reasons: incredible clubs, incredible teams, year… Every year it gets better and that's it.
City's outgoing director of football, Txiki Begiristain, also praised the announcement.
“Everyone at the Club is delighted that Erling has signed his new contract,” he said. “The fact that he is signed for so long shows our commitment to him as a player and his love for this club.
“He has already made an incredible impact during his time here and his incredible numbers and records speak for themselves.”
“But in addition to his exceptional talent and natural ability, Erling's dedication, professionalism, humility and desire to continue improving sums up what we all strive to achieve at Manchester City.
Haaland will earn more than £200 million over the duration of the deal, which runs until 2034.
“He is one of the best strikers in world football, but Erling is still very young and will continue to improve working with Pep and his technical team.
“If he works hard, and I know he will, he will create an incredible legacy at this football club. Now he can focus on his game and continue to play a huge role in helping us achieve even more success.”