The striker signed a decade-long extension earlier in 2025, a rare commitment in the modern game and one that surprised many given Real Madrid's long-standing interest. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Haaland explained that his decision went far beyond the identity of the manager.

"I signed because of the conversations I had with the bosses and the plan for the next years," Haaland said when speaking to Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer from City's training centre. "I'm calm, I'm focused, and I'm really happy here. It's a really good place to be for development, and in the end England is a football country. I think it's the best place to play football."

Haaland admitted that Guardiola played a major role in attracting him from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 but stressed that long-term decisions cannot depend on a single individual. "Pep was a big reason why I came to City, of course," he said. "To work with him and experience his special ways and his hard work. But I remember my father said 10 years ago, ‘Never go to a club because of the manager.' You never know what's going to happen in the modern world."

Guardiola is contracted until 2027, but his repeated hints that he may step away at that point have kept speculation alive. Haaland acknowledged that he does not know what the Catalan will decide, but his own stance remains firm. "I knew he was staying for another year, year and a half when I signed," he added. "Most conversations were with his bosses and my boss. It was about the bigger picture."

Those comments will reassure supporters who feared that Real Madrid's renewed interest might lure him to Spain. Haaland has scored freely again this season and remains central to City's planning, with the club continuing to build around high-potential young players during what could become the most transitional phase of the Guardiola era.

As City look ahead, their recruitment and contract strategy is expected to tighten further, ensuring stability whether Guardiola stays until 2027 or chooses to leave earlier. Haaland's long-term commitment means City retain a world-class focal point around whom the next generation can be constructed, regardless of how the managerial timeline unfolds.

Jurgen Klopp gives heartfelt salute to Arne Slot as Liverpool crowned Premier League champions