Erling Haaland insists he never even thought about the looming verdict on Manchester City's much-discussed 115 charges or reported interest from Real Madrid before committing his long-term future to the club.
It was a huge vote of confidence in the club, who could face the prospect of a heavy points deduction or even relegation over alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations.
City, who have denied all wrongdoing, faced a hearing in front of an independent commission on more than 100 charges before Christmas and are expecting a verdict in the spring.
"No, I haven’t thought of that or anything," said Haaland at a press conference on Tuesday ahead of City’s Champions League clash with Paris St Germain in the French capital.
"In the end I really don’t think I should speak too much about this because I’ve been here two-and-a-half years and I’m confident that the club knows what they’re doing."
Haaland, who has scored 112 goals in 127 appearances since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, has regularly been linked with Madrid.
His father Alf-Inge even said recently that he could see his son moving on.
"First of all, that’s his words, not mine," said Haaland. "When I signed for City I said it felt like home and of course I really meant it.
"I’m really looking forward to spending so many more years in Manchester. It’s going to be amazing."
Asked directly if he was happy to have ruled out 15-time European champions Madrid, Haaland said: "I just signed a nine-and-a-half-year deal, so what do you want me to say? Of course I’m happy with that.
"I’m super-happy with my choice. I’m looking forward to spending many years in Manchester and that’s really it."
Haaland, who has scored 80 Premier League goals, also insisted he was not motivated by the prospect of beating Alan Shearer’s long-held competition record of 260.
