Erling Haaland speaks out for first time over Man City guilty verdict | Football

Erling Haaland has urged Manchester City supporters to ‘stick together’ in his first statement since the club’s guilty verdict.

City were found guilty on all 115 charges relating to financial breaches of Premier League rules, lodging their appeal against the decision last week.

City have denied all charges and have continued to plead their innocence but could face huge sanctions ranging from points deductions, expulsion from the Premier League and being stripped of the titles they won during the period from 2009-10 to 2017-18.

Haaland was among the City players to return to the club’s training ground on Thursday ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash away to Liverpool where they will be expected to get a brutal reception from the Anfield crowd.

Ahead of that trip, Haaland has called for unity at the club and focus on winning on the pitch.

‘We have to stick together, we have to stay with each other and we have to stay positive.’

The Norway international, who joined City from Borussia Dortmund for £51.2million in June 2022, added in an interview with Sky Sports: ‘And no matter what happens in life, we always have to have a smile.

‘So we have to stay positive, look ahead and then try to win football games and then try to enjoy the situation and the game.

‘We have to stick together and we have to spread the love to each other. So, stick together and enjoy the ride and smile.’

City are top of the Premier League after five games, two clear of second place Arsenal.

Head coach Enzo Maresca was all smiles as he arrived for training on Thursday, pictured grinning and giving a thumbs-up as the City squad reunited after the extended international break.

Maresca will address the media on Friday morning for the first time since the verdict.

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