“I’ve answered that 300 times” – Erling Haaland confident of Manchester City’s innocence as 115 charges verdict nears | OneFootball

Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland has sent a strong message of backing to his employers as a decision edges closer on the 115 Premier League charges.

Haaland has been a goalscoring sensation since joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund three seasons ago, becoming the fastest player (94 games) to amass 100 goals and assists in the Premier League after netting against Brighton and Hove Abion last week.

The 24-year-old committed the best years of his playing career to the reigning Premier League champions when he signed a fresh 10-year contract in January that will keep him in blue till the end of the 2033-34 season.

Pep Guardiola has hailed Haaland for his goalscoring heroics this season – particularly when his side have struggled for creativity and a cutting edge in attack – with the Norwegian having scored 29 times and provided four assists in 39 appearances in all competitions.

City are awaiting the verdict from hearings conducted by an independent tribunal after the club were charged of 115 breaches of Premier League financial regulations in February 2023 – with an outcome expected in less than a month.

Guardiola and Haaland have been confident in Manchester City’s innocence, having both extended their stays at the club since the charges came to light – with Guardiola signing a two-year deal in the fall last year amidst a horror run of results on the pitch.

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak is also expected to finally break his long-standing silence on the charges when a verdict is announced – with many expecting the six-time Premier League champions to receive a hefty fine and points deduction as part of a potential punishment in the event that City are found guilty.

Away on international duty with the Norway National Team since last week, Erling Haaland was recently quizzed on the upcoming verdict on the 115 charges his club have hanging over their shoulders.

“I’m obviously not afraid of that if I sign a 9.5-year contract,” the forward said, as quoted by Fotball Norge. “I’ve answered that 300 times, why I signed a 9.5-year contract. It’s because I talked with the club (Manchester City) and got a good feeling (about the verdict).”

Haaland is expected to keep his place in the starting XI when City return to action in a FA Cup quarter-final tie against Bournemouth next week – which Guardiola will hope can propel them to a strong run of results to seal UEFA Champions League qualification next season.