After the final whistle blew at the Etihad, Erling Haaland knew his mission was complete. He let his long hair down, took off his shirt and celebrated with the Manchester City fans.
The 25-year-old striker was covered in scratches and marks from his neck to his waist after a fierce 90-minute battle with his old rival Gabriel Magalhães, in a duel that often resembled a WrestleMania match more than football.
It was a real "old-school" showdown, with pushing, shoving and even a moment that appeared to be a headbutt between Manchester City and Arsenal players, as they battled for the Premier League title.
"This is the Premier League today. It's like wrestling at times," Haaland said.
The key moment came when he managed to break away from Gabriel inside the area and scored the goal that opened the title race.
Given the strength and physique of the Brazilian, considered one of the strongest defenders in the world, Haaland's goal showed the Norwegian's extraordinary physical power.
When he took off his shirt after the goal, it became clear why he could handle such a duel – his body is built like a machine.
Fast, deadly in front of goal and with great strength, Haaland is considered by many to be the best striker in the world.
However, this does not only come from natural talent, but also from an unusual regimen.
His diet reaches up to 6000 calories a day and includes unusual foods such as cow heart and liver, as shown in the documentary "Haaland: The Big Decision."
"The rest of you don't eat these, but I take care of my body. I think quality, local food is the most important," he said.
In addition, he often consumes grilled meat, natural honey, and lots of milk, which he calls his "magic medicine."
For breakfast, he prefers eggs with sourdough bread and coffee with maple syrup, while fish is also included in his diet.
The recovery regimen is just as intense: red light therapy, saunas, ice baths, and physiotherapy sessions.
These methods help him maintain peak form throughout the season.
Cristiano Ronaldo is also known for regularly taking ice baths.
Haaland also emphasizes the importance of flexibility in the hip and thigh area to score difficult goals, like the one against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
After a physical battle like that against Gabriel, it's certain that recovery began immediately - most likely with an ice bath as soon as he left the Etihad Stadium./Express newspaper/
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