A Manchester City superstar… admitting Arsenal shaped him.
Erling Haaland may wear sky blue, but his footballing roots tell a different story.
In a revealing interview, the Norwegian goal machine has named Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie as two of the strikers who influenced his development — a confession that will raise eyebrows in North London and Manchester alike.
Yes, Haaland the City icon.
Inspired by Arsenal legends.
The 25-year-old, already boasting a staggering 308 goals in 384 domestic games and 55 in 48 for Norway, is widely regarded as one of the most dominant forwards of his generation. But behind the power, pace, and ruthless finishing lies a student of the game — one who studied the greats.
“I watched Zlatan a lot when I was young,” Haaland told TNT Sports. “Then there was also Robin van Persie in the Premier League. He was left-footed, with crazy finishes. I remember one season he had with Arsenal when he scored around 38 goals. That was an incredible season.”
That campaign? Van Persie’s sensational 2011/12 season, when he netted 37 goals in all competitions for the Gunners — a masterclass in clinical left-footed artistry.
And then came the name that will resonate even louder.
“I’ve watched goals from the likes of Thierry Henry. You take small things from some of the goals he scored.”
Henry. The king of Highbury. Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer. The blueprint for modern Premier League forwards.
Haaland didn’t just admire from afar — he dissected.
From Van Persie’s lethal left foot to Henry’s timing and movement, the City striker absorbed details that now define his own devastating style. His trademark runs in behind? His instinct to stretch defensive lines? His ability to score with minimal touches?
It’s all part of a calculated evolution.
“It’s a big part of my game to do runs in behind and stretch defenders,” Haaland explained. “I normally don’t get the ball, but when I do, it’s a goal.”
That simplicity is what makes him terrifying.
But what makes this revelation fascinating is the timing.
As Arsenal and Manchester City battle for domestic and European supremacy, Haaland openly credits two Gunners icons for shaping his craft. In another universe, it’s not hard to imagine him in red and white — sprinting onto through balls at the Emirates.
Instead, he’s the rival Arsenal must stop.
Yet his honesty underscores something bigger: greatness leaves fingerprints across generations. Henry influenced Van Persie. Van Persie influenced Haaland. And now Haaland influences the next wave.
Despite the tactical study and idol worship, Haaland insists much of his growth came naturally.
“I played football because it was a nice thing to do,” he said. “When you enjoy it, you want to do it more. Then you become good at it.”
Talent. Joy. Obsession. Relentless mentality.
Those are universal traits — no matter the badge.
Arsenal fans may not enjoy watching Haaland score against them, but hearing him acknowledge Henry and Van Persie as inspirations? That’s a subtle nod to the club’s historic attacking DNA.
The irony is delicious.
Manchester City’s most feared striker… built on Arsenal foundations.
And in a season where both clubs are chasing glory, that connection adds just a little extra spice to every meeting.
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