Erling Haaland shock inspiration behind Saturday’s Champions League dream

ERLING HAALAND admits Manchester United inspired him to want to be a Champions League winner.

The Manchester City goal machine, who faces Inter Milan in Saturday’s final, has dreamt of lifting the European Cup ever since he was seven and watched his club’s big rivals defeat Chelsea in the 2008 final when Alex Ferguson was boss.

Haaland said: “I’ve been dreaming and thinking of winning the Champions League my whole life — it’s been my dream as long as I can remember.

“In 2008, it was Chelsea-United. When I saw the celebrations, I wanted to do that as well and now we’re getting closer.”

Haaland has netted 52 times in a phenomenal debut season with his City side a single win away from securing the Treble.

He was even videoed playing the Champions League anthem in his car when he was a teenager at Red Bull Salzburg.

And Haaland told BBC radio: “I love this competition and I enjoy it, so that’s why I listened to it. It’s also a really nice song!”

Haaland, 22, is under no illusions that City bought him from Borussia Dortmund in order to conquer Europe for the first time.

He said: “The Premier League, they won it two times in a row before I came here so they know how to win the Premier League.

“The only thing they miss now is the Champions League so you can read between the lines — I’ve been coming here for a reason.”

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City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne says he is no longer the “mane man” in his household following 22-year-old Haaland’s arrival.

The Belgian has been the club’s biggest star since arriving in 2015.

But Haaland’s incredible first season has turned the heads of everyone — including KDB’s kids.

The 31-year-old said: “All three children have long hair and Erling is a superstar. I see that with the kids at their school, too. They all have hair like that. It’s funny.”

De Bruyne has won five Prems, two FA Cups and five League Cups but international team-mate Romelu Lukaku and his Inter pals stand in his way of completing the set by adding the Champions League.

He added: “He’s one of my best friends in football. I’ve known him since 13, 14 years old.

“In the end it’s football for 90 minutes, we try to win against each other and after that we will see each other with the national team.”