Josko Gvardiol is delighted to call Erling Haaland a team-mate rather than an opponent.

Our new Croatian defender came up against the Norwegian goal-machine twice last season – enough to convince him that playing against Haaland in training will be more than enough! 

He is also delighted to be part of a City team he says everyone wants to avoid in European competition.

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“To be honest, everyone wanted to avoid City as a team last season,” said Gvardiol. 

“Unfortunately, we were one of the teams who got City in the Champions League! 

“We knew it is going to be hard, but it was just unbelievable. 

“The way City played at home and the atmosphere, it was just a different level.  

“And I said a couple of times that you guys deserved to win the Champions League. 

“As for Erling Haaland, we all know what he had on us last season and congratulations to Erling.  

“It’s nice to have him on my side now, but yeah, last season and the season before in the Bundesliga, he was a tough player - strong, fast and he has everything to become one of the best in the world. 

“Luckily I’m on his side now and I don’t have to worry about him anymore!”