Erling Haaland has been named UEFA Player of the Year after scoring a season-high 12 goals in the Champions League last season – and says it will motivate him to do even better this season.
Haaland fired City into the latter stages of the competition, before his teammates took over against Real Madrid in the semi-final and against Inter Milan in the final in Istanbul. City won the Champions League for the first time, and their dominance has been reflected in the number of awards they collected at the 2023/24 group stage draw.
As well as Haaland, manager Pep Guardiola was named coach of the year for guiding City to their first European Cup – and his third as manager.
The awards follow City’s dominance of the Champions League team of the year, while Rodri was named Player of the Tournament for his role in getting City to the final – and his winning goal against Inter Milan. Kevin De Bruyne and Lionel Messi were also nominated for the Men’s Player of the Year award.
On winning his award, Haaland said: “I feel good. I won the treble at 22 years old. I’m living the dream, this was my dream when I was young. To do this together with my teammates is something special. I’m really happy and it gives me so much motivation to keep working to achieve more of the trophy that stood there, and this is also really nice. It’s free motivation and I’m so happy.
I’ll do my best, it’s motivation, about keeping the head clear and even more eyes will be on me and the team after winning the Champions League. We have to be more prepared, sharper. It’s motivation and I’m ready to do my best to have a new great season.
“Sometimes Pep is a bit scary I have to say. My father can also be a bit scary! I like when Pep shouts at me, he tries to get something in my brain he doesn’t think I have. He’s trying to make me a better footballer. I’m not complaining at all!”
In his official comments after winning the award, he said: “I am honoured to have been named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year. There are so many top talents across Europe who could have won this award, so I am really grateful to everyone who voted for me.
“We have an incredible team here at Manchester City and this accolade wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my teammates, coaches and all of the staff at the Club.
“It was an incredible season for all of us and for me personally after securing the Treble. Lifting my first Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League was an incredible feeling and it’s a feeling we all want to share again this season.
Congratulating Haaland, Director of Football Txiki Begiristain: “Erling had a remarkable season in all competitions, including the Champions League, and this award is recognition for that.
There were so many stand-out moments in Europe, including that brilliant goal against Borussia Dortmund and those five goals at home to RB Leipzig. To win this award in his first season with us is a wonderful achievement.”
On Guardiola’s award, Begiristain said: “Congratulations to Pep and his staff for winning this award, a deserved recognition for an incredible season.
“To win three trophies was extraordinary and to lift the Champions League trophy for the first time was such a special moment. He is so focused on delivering success and sets high standards that keep us challenging for trophies every season
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