Man City ace Erling Haaland reveals Manchester United inspiration ahead of Champions League final

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has admitted Manchester United's victory over Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final inspired him to do everything he could to win European club football's top prize.

United's win over Avram Grant's side is one of the all-time great Champions League finals. The Reds took the lead through Cristiano Ronaldo's bullet header before Frank Lampard capitalised on a slip at the back to equalise on the stroke of half-time.

In extra time Didier Drogba was sent off with the London club holding out for penalties in Moscow. Ronaldo saw his spot kick saved in the shootout but was let off the hook when John Terry slipped and sent his penalty flying over the crossbar.

Edwin van der Sar then saved Nicolas Anelka's penalty in sudden death to win the Champions League. Ahead of this year's final in Istanbul, Haaland was asked by Gazzetta dello Sport about the first final he remembered watching growing up and the Norwegian replied: "Manchester United vs Chelsea in 2008.

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"I was eight. When I saw [United] players celebrating, I thought I wanted to do the same and now we are really close." When asked if he was concentrating on how Inter may approach tonight's game, the 22-year-old added: "I want to enjoy the moment without thinking about the past or the present.

"I only think about what’s about to begin. I don’t like to talk about rivals, I prefer to focus on myself and my team. We face a strong team which will make life difficult for us. We must be at the top to win."

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