Erling Haaland becomes a dad for first time as Pep Guardiola accidentally leaks news

Manchester City star Erling Haaland has become a father, Pep Guardiola has announced. The Norwegian sensation returned to his goalscoring best against Leicester City on Sunday, and his manager revealed that his on-pitch success was just the icing on the cake of an extraordinary few days for the striker.

Haaland notched up his 14th Premier League goal of the campaign in a vital 2-0 victory on Sunday, securing three crucial points for the team. Guardiola extended his heartfelt congratulations to his leading man, acknowledging the whirlwind of emotions he must be experiencing.

Guardiola said: “Sometimes Erling has been judged badly but it’s part of football. He’s tired, he’s played a lot of minutes. He’s become a father for the first time in the last few days, a lot of emotions and an exciting few days for him.”

Back in October, Haaland seemed to hint at impending fatherhood when he posted a picture on social media while on international duty, mimicking a pregnant belly with a football under his shirt and sucking his thumb.

The post was simply captioned with a baby emoji and an arrow indicating something soon to come.

Now, it seems Haaland has truly embraced the role of a dad. “I have known this forever,” Sander Berge, Haaland’s compatriot, told Dagbladet following the public reveal.

“I am very happy for him. It is very nice to know that he will become a father together with his partner, Isabel. I look forward to following their journey as parents.”

The Fulham midfielder is said to be a close friend and suggested he was told of the news over the summer. “There are many fathers in the team now. The national team manager in 25 years’ time faces a bright future,” manager Stale Solbakken joked, with Haaland’s post signalling the point the rest of his team-mates discovered his news.

While his newborn child is said to have arrived in recent days, Haaland has participated in a busy festive schedule. The 24-year-old played on December 21st and 26th before featuring on the 29th against Leicester.

The sharpshooter scored his first goal after going three games without one. The imposing forward will now be able to have more time at home with six days until City’s next match. They take on West Ham United on Saturday at the Etihad Stadium.