Erling Haaland makes public apology after taking Norway armband from Martin Odegaard

Erling Haaland took to social media to offer his apologises following Norway’s harrowing 5-1 defeat at the hands of Austria in the Nations League on Sunday.

Serving as Norway’s captain due to Martin Odegaard’s absence sparked by an ankle injury incurred during last month’s international break, Haaland experienced a sheer contrast in fortunes. After taking the reins, he soared, setting a new record as Norway’s highest-ever goalscorer.

He bagged a double to secure a 3-0 victory over Slovenia, yet the euphoria was short-lived as their ensuing match in Austria descended into dismay. Inter Milan’s ace Marko Arnautovic netted twice, accompanied by Philipp Lienhart, Stefan Posch and Michael Gregoritsch who collectively compounded Norway’s misery.

Post-match, Haaland bypassed the Norwegian media, declining all queries as he traversed the mixed zone. Instead, he turned to Instagram to express his regret for what stood as his starkest career shortfall to date.

“Sorry everyone, this was far too bad on my part,” Haaland declared on his Instagram story, coupled with a vow for redemption: “In November, we go for six points.

Despite having endured a bruising 6-1 upset by the Netherlands U19s previously, the recent loss and his post-match silence drew criticism. Norwegian football contender Kristoffer Lokberg lamented to VG: “It’s a shame. If there’s anyone we want to hear from after a violent slump, it’s the captain. How was it communicated out here? How do you think after the 3-1 goal?

“Do you gather? What do you do? When you are captain, you have been assigned a role that requires a little extra. Then you should stand up. At the same time, I have great respect for the fact that he is in a special position when it comes to attention and requests.

“I understand that he has a strict regime around him in everyday life. But when you have the captain’s armband for the Norwegian national team, he should stand up and say a few words.”

Meanwhile, Fulham midfielder Sander Berge defended Haaland’s decision, stating: “He has every right to that,” and “You can feel the disappointment now. We as a team in there, we stand in ups and downs regardless. The most important thing is that we are united. That’s how it is.”