Champions League
Erling Haaland Honors Promise To Didier Drogba with Iconic Celebration In Manchester City’s Champions League Victory
Manchester City’s star striker, Erling Haaland, made good on a promise to Didier Drogba by performing the Chelsea legend’s iconic celebration after scoring in the Champions League match against Young Boys at the Etihad.
Haaland, who netted the opening goal from a penalty, celebrated in a manner reminiscent of Drogba, a familiar sight to Premier League fans from the noughties. This promise was made during the Ballon d’Or awards when Haaland received the Gerd Muller trophy for the best striker in Europe. Host Drogba had asked him to celebrate like Drogba or former England striker Gary Lineker.
Haaland replied, “We’ll see the next goal. I celebrate in the moment, so I’ll think of both of you when I score my next goal and will decide!”
After Haaland’s penalty, it was evident that he had chosen to emulate Drogba, and the Chelsea legend acknowledged it on social media, writing, “Man of your word,” he wrote on Twitter.
The 23-year-old didn’t stop there, scoring a stunning long-range goal in the second half, bringing his total Champions League goals to 39 in just 34 games, putting him in the top 20 all-time scorers list. He’s tied with Fernando Morientes, trailing Kylian Mbappe by three goals, with Drogba just ahead of him with 44 goals.
Despite an injury scare in his previous match against Bournemouth, Haaland started against Young Boys. Manager Pep Guardiola’s decision paid off, as Haaland netted a brilliant double. Manchester City won the match 3-0, with a delightful goal from Phil Foden, securing their place in the next round of the Champions League.
This marks the 10th consecutive season that the European champions have advanced to the knockout stage.
Erling Haaland hit the Didier Drogba goal celebration after accepting the challenge at the Ballon d'Or ceremony 🙌#UCL | @rioferdy5 | @laura_woodsy | @JoleonLescott pic.twitter.com/WJy59vPniq
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 7, 2023
