Erling Haaland shared a light-hearted moment with a camera operator at Anfield after Manchester City won 5-0 against Liverpool, joking that he sees them more than his own partner.
Haaland, 26, has been in a long-term relationship with former footballer Isabel Haugseng Johansen, with whom he has a son who turns two this December. However, it has been a busy start to this season for the striker, who started all four Nations League matches for Norway while on international duty.
That run continued against the Reds, with him opening the scoring. Haaland was, though, substituted for the final ten minutes.
Light-hearted exchange with camera operator
After returning to the pitch, he went over and applauded City's supporters in the lower Anfield Road Stand. Haaland did so with a camera operator in tow, and as he walked back towards the tunnel, he remarked that they seemed to be "everywhere".
The exchange was sparked when the camera operator called out: "Great goal!" Haaland recognised them upon receiving a second round of congratulations, saying: "You are everywhere, you," prompting the delighted response: "I am!"
The Norwegian then quipped: "I see you more than my missus, I do," which was met with agreement from the camera operator, who laughed.
Victory amid Premier League uncertainty
Haaland strolled away grinning before stopping to greet several City staff members on his way back to the tunnel. Backup goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli and set-piece coach James French were amongst those who welcomed him.
The striker netted City's opener in their commanding 3-0 triumph. He struck just three minutes after referee Chris Kavanagh dismissed Ryan Gravenberch.
Their victory came following a fortnight of uncertainty surrounding City's top-flight status as a club. An independent commission has ruled the club guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations over a nine-season period from 2009/10 to 2017/18.
Appeal and league expulsion talks
City have appealed to the chair of the judicial panel, presently Sir Gary Hickinbottom. An appeal board hearing will subsequently convene to either uphold or reject what the club describes as a comprehensive appeal.
Nevertheless, some football executives are reportedly already exchanging messages regarding City. They are allegedly discussing the prospect of suspending them from the Premier League. The Independent claims to have been informed by one: "This is a farce that will lead to protest, damage to the integrity and reputation of the competition, and possibly even violence. The board has a duty at law to its shareholders to protect, enhance and promote the interests of the Premier League."
Premier League Rule 6B is referenced, which states, "the league may expel a club from membership upon a special resolution to that effect". It would require approval from at least three-quarters of its members, equivalent to 15 of the league's 20 clubs.
