Haaland says he's 'far off' Messi & Ronaldo

Erling Haaland has played down comparisons between himself and modern footballing greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, saying "no-one" will get close to their goalscoring records.

The 25-year-old has scored 26 times in all competitions for Manchester City and Norway by the beginning of November, taking his career tally to 327.

But Haaland trails a long way behind the feats of the feted duo.

Argentina legend Messi, 38, has scored a total of 892 goals, while 40-year-old Portugal icon Ronaldo is on 952 as he targets 1,000 in his illustrious career.

Asked if he saw himself on the level of the distinguished duo, Haaland replied: "No, not at all. I am far off. Nobody can get close to them two, so no."

The City forward scored 56 goals in the 2022-23 season, his first at the club after joining from Borussia Dortmund, which was his most prolific campaign to date.

But as Haaland prepares to face his former side in their Champions League tie on Wednesday (20:00 GMT), he is on course to surpass that mammoth amount if he maintains his current scoring rate.

With 98 so far in 107 Premier League games, he is closing in on becoming the fastest to reach a century of English top-flight goals.

Former England captain Alan Shearer set that mark at 124 games and leads the all-time league charts with 260.

Shearer, who starred for Southampton, Blackburn and Newcastle in his career, said last month Haaland has a "brilliant chance" of breaking the record, external.

But when asked if he will surpass his own tally this term, Haaland replied: "Which record? Not to sound arrogant!

"I had 57 in total, including with the national team [in the 2022-23 season]. I am in a good way but I don't think of this.

"I don't really know any records but I know his (Shearer's Premier League one). Again, it is not something I can think about.

"Thinking about records I can break is the last thing on my mind, I try to help the team win football games. That is my job and that is my main focus.

I know it's boring, I know you want me to say the complete opposite but that's not how it is. I have to ignore them.

Haaland has also scored 53 goals in only 51 Champions League matches - the fastest player to reach the half-century milestone.

He won Europe's elite club competition in his first season with City, helping the side to complete the Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League.

"I am the completely same person from as long as I can remember," he added. "Nothing has changed. I am still the same kid in some situations and I am still that kid from Bryne but with more experience in life.

I am a Norwegian guy and I shouldn't think I am something because I am scoring goals. I am just Erling and this is something that will never change.

Haaland is also on the cusp of helping Norway reach their first World Cup since 1998, which he said was "two years before I was born".

"I have been saying this for a long time - my goal is to take Norway to a World Cup and Euros," he added.

This is the main goal in my career and now I have a good chance to do it, so it's about taking the chances.

And there was an ominous warning for opposition defenders as Haaland said he was "definitely" getting better as a striker.

I am developing good," he added. "I am in a good place, I'm taking good care of myself and I am developing good.

Source: BBC
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