Erling Haaland has revealed the UEFA Champions League anthem is still his phone ringtone and says nights in Europe’s elite competition are more ‘special’ to him.

After months and months of speculation, Manchester City have finally confirmed the signing of the 21-year-old, who has moved to the Etihad Stadium on a five-year deal. He brings with him incredible goalscoring pedigree, scoring almost a goal a game at Borussia Dortmund.

Blues will also be hoping the Norwegian will make the difference in key Champions League games. Last season, City suffered Champions League heartbreak in the semi-final stage. Despite dominating for 178 minutes of the tie, Real Madrid produced a stunning comeback in added time to take the game to extra time – with Karim Benzema’s penalty sending the eventual champions to Paris.

READ MORE: Erling Haaland explains why he chose Man City in first words after transfer

In his first interview for the club, Haaland was asked about his outstanding Champions League record, where the clinical striker has 23 goals in just 19 matches.

Answering a question about why his record is that good, Haaland said: “I always like Champions League, so that’s a bit why. It’s a bit more special in my eyes and I like it.”

There’s no doubt the Norwegian’s arrival improves City’s chances of capturing European glory significantly. Pep Guardiola has bemoaned his side missing key chances in the past, but Haaland’s goalscoring record and sense of spotting danger will be a valuable asset on that front.

It remains to be seen whether he can keep up the same consistency of scoring, but his inclusion will give defenders even more danger to deal with and the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, a mammoth presence to target.

Despite being such an aerial threat, the forward’s ability to manoeuvre the ball close to his feet and produce a moment of rapid acceleration is perhaps quite underrated about his game. One goal in particular – against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League – showed all his qualities in one swift moment.

Dropping deep to receive the ball, an excellent turn and run, beating his man and rifling the ball into the top corner.

Europe’s grandest stage is made for a player like him, so it probably comes as no surprise that Haaland still has the classical Champions League anthem as his phone ringtone – as confirmed today.

After reaching their first-ever final in 2021 and going so close to a second in 2022, City will be hoping Haaland is that man to take the extra step and finally get their hands on a trophy that has long-eluded them.

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