'Honoured' – Erling Haaland sends heartfelt message after being handed key Man City role by Pep Guardiola for the first time

Erling Haaland has sent out a message after captaining Manchester City for the first time in a pre-season friendly against Celtic.

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• Haaland takes armband for friendly clash
• Scores in defeat to Celtic
• Reveals pride at being named captain

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Pep Guardiola handed Haaland the captain's armband for the first time as the Cityzens took on Celtic in pre-season as part of their North American tour. Haaland went on to score as the Premier League champions went down 4-3 in a thrilling game in North Carolina.

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• WHAT HAALAND SAID

  City may have been beaten but it was certainly a memorable day for Haaland. He posted a message afterwards on Instagram to show his pride at being handed the City armband. He wrote: "Honored to captain the team for the first time."

  Instagram

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Haaland has taken over captaincy duties as City are without regular skipper Kyle Walker. The England international is still on leave following his exploits with England at Euro 2024. Walker is one of several senior stars missing the trip after a busy summer and joins team-mates such as Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones and Julian Alvarez in sitting out the tour.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY

  Manchester City and Haaland now move on to New York for a friendly against AC Milan. Guardiola's side will also take on Barcelona and Chelsea before jetting back to England to face Manchester United in the Community Shield.