Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has opened up about his connection to England, admitting it is “difficult” to fully explain why he feels so comfortable living in the country and relating with English people.
The Norway international, who has quickly become one of the Premier League’s standout figures, says the sense of familiarity he experiences in England has helped him settle both on and off the pitch.
According to CityXtra, speaking about his time in Manchester and his wider experiences in the UK, Haaland pointed to cultural similarities between Norway and England, as well as a feeling of calm that he has struggled to put into words.
Those emotions, he explained, made his move to City feel natural rather than daunting, despite the pressure that comes with playing for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
“It’s just the vibe” – Haaland on feeling at home in England
Haaland’s relationship with England did not begin when he signed for Manchester City. Long before he completed his move to the Etihad Stadium, the striker had already spent time in the country and felt an unexpected connection.
“I’d been to Manchester a couple times before I signed for Manchester City. Even when we went to games, I always liked England because I feel we’re a bit the same – Norwegians and English people – so I always liked it, and I always enjoyed here a lot.
“It’s just the vibe. I feel really calm and it’s difficult to explain why I like it. I feel it’s very similar to Norway.”
Those feelings have only grown stronger since his arrival in the Premier League. Haaland says the transition into English life was smoother than many might expect, helped by family memories and a sense of familiarity that made England feel less like a foreign country and more like a second home.
“When I signed for Manchester City, I said I feel a bit home. I feel a bit at home now in UK. It was quite natural as well to move back here because my family had a great time in England.
“My mum loves England, the traditions, all these things. My parents had a great time here before I was born and I’m having a great time now.”
For City, Haaland’s comfort off the pitch has translated into devastating effectiveness on it. His ability to adapt so quickly to English football has been a major factor in his goal-scoring exploits, with Pep Guardiola often praising his mentality as much as his physical qualities. Feeling settled, Haaland suggests, allows him to focus purely on football.
His comments also offer a rare glimpse into the personal side of a player often defined by numbers and records.
Rather than tactics or trophies, Haaland highlights atmosphere, culture and a sense of belonging as reasons for his happiness in England — things that cannot easily be measured.
Despite Haaland’s impressive stats, City push for more attacking strength
While Haaland continues to enjoy life in Manchester, City’s attention behind the scenes is firmly on strengthening their squad ahead of the January transfer window.
Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has emerged as a major target, with developments in recent days adding intrigue to what initially looked like a straightforward pursuit.
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The Ghana international has been edging towards a long-anticipated move away from the south coast, with Manchester City widely viewed as the leading contenders for his signature.
Manchester United have also been monitoring the situation, while Chelsea are understood to have stepped back after making an early enquiry.
As Haaland continues to thrive in an environment he describes as calm and familiar, the club are working to ensure their squad remains competitive at the very highest level. Whether Semenyo becomes part of that plan may soon be decided, but City’s intent is clear — act decisively and avoid unnecessary drama.
In a season where margins are fine and competition intense, both on and off the pitch, Manchester City appear determined to move with the same clarity that has defined their recent success.
