Guardiola: “Haaland didn’t sign because of me.”
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insists his presence wasn’t a factor in Erling Haaland’s summer signing at Etihad.
The Premier League leaders pulled off a coup this week when they announced they had agreed a deal with Borussia Dortmund to sign the Norwegian striker for £51million.
Guardiola said: “The players don’t come for me who is closing in on a fourth Premier League title in five seasons. They come to play in this league for this club.
“The economic issue is so important, but they can visualise the way we play, the team we are, the city, the league, the Champions League. Many things are involved.
“Players come here not for a few months or one year. Sergio (Aguero) came and stayed 10 years, David (Silva) and Vincent (Kompany) the same. Many important players came and stayed a long time.
“How long depends on how happy they are. What are we going to do? Make them feel absolutely happy in terms of the city, the locker room and many things.
“There are many top incredible players that could play here without a doubt, but what we want is a player who can come here and stay for many years and perform every single game as best as possible.”
