'I like a bit of s**t-talking' - Man City star Erling Haaland responds to question about Kylian Mbappe boxing match

Erling Haaland enjoys a war of words but the Manchester City striker insists he wouldn't be tempted into a high-profile boxing match against Kylian Mbappe.

Haaland and Mbappe have long been tipped to do battle over the next decade as they compete for the Ballon d'Or. The pair are now expected to take over from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have won 12 of the last 14 awards in an era of complete dominance.

The City striker enjoyed an outstanding first season at the Etihad, registering an incredible 52 goals from 53 appearances across all competitions and winning the treble. However he didn't have it al his own way and was often spotted exchanging choice words with rival defenders.

The 23-year-old has proven himself to be a powerhouse on the pitch, and was recently asked whether he'd be up for harnessing that in a celebrity boxing match - with Mbappe's name specifically mentioned.

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“No, I’m not really into fighting, to be honest,” Haaland told the Impaulsive podcast.. “I prefer just to speak. So no, not really into fighting and do that kind of things though.

"I like a bit of s**t-talking, of course. But I don’t fight."

Haaland landed his first punch of the Ballon D'Or battle by being crowned UEFA Player of the Year yesterday. The Norwegian striker netted an impressive 12 goals as City went on to win the Champions League in June.

City dominated the awards ceremony, with Pep Guardiola named Manager of the Year and Rodri winning Player of the Tournament.

"I feel good," Haaland said after picking up his award. "I won the treble at 22 years old. I'm living the dream, this was my dream when I was young.

"To do this together with my