Manchester City take on Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup final in Saudi Arabia tonight – although Erling Haaland has upset one opponent’s wife.
The Norway international was on the receiving end of criticism from the partner of Fluminense No.10 Paulo Henrique Ganso – Giovanna Costi.
So, what did Erling Haaland do ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup final between Manchester City and Fluminense? Let’s take a look…
What Haaland did to cause upset at FIFA Club World Cup
Well, the £51m man ignored Ganso and Costi’s son Henrico – refusing to take a photograph.
Globo Esporte quoted the Brazil international’s wife as saying: “It was horrible. Henrico is horrified! He was a fan! He doesn’t even want to mention his name now. There were only six children, they couldn’t get close, he didn’t even say goodbye from afar. He pretended they didn’t exist.
“The children were very sad! What’s the chance of meeting an idol like that? In the street. There was no-one there, empty. It wouldn’t have taken more than five seconds! Anyway. Even in pain, you learn, right? I’m sure these children will take something good from today.”
Karina Xavier – the wife of Fluminense No.2 Samuel Xavier – also hit out at Haaland, saying: “I still can’t get over the fact that Haaland didn’t say hello to the children who are his super fans, he didn’t even look at them.”
Manchester City No.9 can be excused
We would like to give the Leeds-born striker the benefit of the doubt.
Nobody knows what Haaland had on the agenda at this moment in time – it is entirely possible that he was running late for a physio session, for example, as he continues his recovery from a foot issue.
The 23-year-old does not come across as someone who would intentionally ignore a number of children looking to get a photograph with him, and it is also entirely possible that a language barrier prevented him from explaining his reasoning.
