Defeat Lionel Messi To Become UEFA Player Of The Year, Erling Haaland: Like Living A Dream

Manchester City player, Erling Haaland. (Photo: Twitter @ManCity)

JAKARTA Manchester City striker Erling Haaland admits that it is like a dream after successfully winning the 2022/2023 UEFA Player of the Year award.

The 23-year-old Norwegian international came out as the best to beat Argentine superstar Lionel Messi and City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne.

This achievement complements the extraordinary first season with The Citizen, namely winning the English Premier League, FA Cup, and the prestigious European Champions League trophy.

"I won treble at the age of 22. I feel like I'm having a dream," Haaland said at the Monaco ceremony.

The first season with City, Haaland managed to show an extraordinary performance. He successfully scored 52 goals for the club based in Etihad from 53 appearances.

The contribution of the former Borussia Dortmund player made City finally lift the first European Champions League trophy in their history.

In addition, they made history as the second English club to win treble (three major titles in a season). This record was previously engraved by Manchester United in 1999.

"To be able to achieve everything with my colleagues is something extraordinary. I am happy and this gives me great motivation to continue working and winning trophies," he said.

"This season is about keeping my mind clear. More eyes will be on me and my team after winning the Champions League. We have to be sharper and more prepared," he added.

Earlier this week, Haaland was also selected to win the PFA version of the Best Player. Meanwhile, for the UEFA Best Coach award, Pep Guardiola was awarded.