Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has taken to social media to thank Everton fans who sent him a commemorative boot following his goalscoring achievements this season.
The Norwegian centre-forward recently broke the record for the most goals scored in a Premier League campaign by scoring his 35th of the season, against West Ham United.
The seemingly unstoppable forward then added Premier League goal number 36 against Everton on Sunday, as Sean Dyche’s side fell to a 3-0 defeat at Goodison Park.
However, though the 22-year-old’s exploits this season have been undoubtedly impressive, the Premier League record only stretches back to 1992, with the overall record still in the hands of Everton legend Dixie Dean, who scored 60 league goals.
Breaking the Premier League-era record in his debut season in the division is a tremendous accomplishment nonetheless, and Everton fans sent the forward a commemorative boot, engraved with the message: “E Haaland record Premier League goals., from Everton fans.”
The Manchester City striker has since taken to his Instagram account to thank Everton fans, posting a story with a picture of the boot and the message: “Thank you”.
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Everton fan gesture to Haaland perhaps indicative of the hopes Everton would be safe by City game
The timing of such a gesture seems a little strange, with Everton still embroiled in a relegation battle with just two games remaining.
Indeed, Haaland’s goal against the Toffees, Man City’s second of the day in a 3-0 win for Pep Guardiola’s side, effectively killed off the game from Everton’s perspective.
Frustratingly, the former Dortmund player once had a trial for the Toffees back in 2016, but Everton turned down the chance to buy him for just £60,000, according to The Times.
The Blues have struggled for goals throughout this campaign, and Haaland has actually found the net four more times than the whole of the Everton squad combined in Premier League games.