Former Swansea striker Michu says it was an “honor” that Manchester City marksman Erling Haaland idolized him growing up.
Such was the Norwegian’s admiration for the retired shot-stopper, he even copied his goal celebration, and now he’s playing in the same league where Michu cemented his cult hero status.
Haaland has copied Michu’s iconic cupping celebration in the past
Swansea legend Michu has opened up about being the source of Erling Haaland’s admiration
The 22-year-old even used to tag himself as the former Napoli player on Instagram during his youth.
Michu rocketed to stardom in his first year in the Premier League with Swansea by scoring 22 goals in 43 games in all competitions.
He starred in Swans’ stunning 2012/13 League Cup triumph, where he scored a beauty in their final win over Bradford in what remains the Welsh club’s only major honour.
And it was the 36-year-old’s performances during his time with the Welsh outfit that resonated with a young Haaland.
After discovering that Haaland was a fan of his, Michu, who is now the sporting director of Spanish second division Burgos CF, gave him a signed shirt.
The former Red Bull Salzburg ace then returned the favor by gifting him a top from Borussia Dortmund.
Michu and Haaland swapped shirts ahead of the latter’s move to Manchester City
In an interview with Cadena SER, Michu revealed that the couple met in Germany a few months ago before Haaland’s move to the Etihad Stadium.
He also said the 23-cap Norway international is set to dominate world football alongside Kylian Mbappe for 15 years.
He said: “I gave him a Burgos shirt and he gave me a Borussia shirt.
“I’m happy he’s having that impact in England, he’s going to be a star at European level with Mbappe. They’re going to reign like [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo] did.
“For me, it’s an honor that a footballer of this level had me as a reference when I was younger.
Norway international Haaland called himself Michu on Instagram
⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Zd9QEBFzRI
— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) September 7, 2020
“If he doesn’t have serious injuries, he could play another 13 or 15 seasons at the highest level.
“If all goes well, he will score over 300 goals.”
Michu also said he thinks Haaland will move to Spain in the future as Real Madrid are known to be huge admirers.
The former striker said: “He will surely end up playing sooner or later in our league.
“Although with the conditions he has, no matter where he plays he will always score goals.”
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