Erling Haaland, Manchester City’s striker, was compelled to participate in a tough pre-season training session.

With Norway failing to qualify for Euro 2024, Haaland had the entire summer off to recharge after winning his second Premier League title and Golden Boot.

He began by partying in Marbella and returned twice using a yacht.

And it was there that Haaland was seen meditating topless in a river, enjoying the natural surroundings.

However, the 23-year-old claimed that his return to first-team training was far from relaxing.

Members of staff were talking about Haaland chopping wood in the highlands and living up to his Viking nickname.

In a video released on City’s X account, Haaland stated that his father was responsible.

He said, “I spent the entire day in the mountains chopping wood. So my hamstrings are tight, my back is a little sore, as are my shoulders and arms. “My father forced me; I had no choice!”

Alf-Inge’s old-school attitude is reminiscent of Sylvester Stallone in Rocky IV.

However, it captures Haaland’s natural attitude as well as his incredible athletic ability.

He returned to training with City on Monday, along with the rest of the players who did not have international obligations.

City have subsequently jetted out to the United States for a tour, with Haaland posting a photo of himself and Jack Grealish on the long-haul flight.

Image: Getty

City’s first game will be against Celtic on July 24 at the Kenan Memorial Stadium in North Carolina.

They return to action three days later at the iconic Yankee Stadium, where they will face Serie A giants AC Milan.

Pep Guardiola returns to Barcelona on July 31 before ending up against Chelsea on August 3, a week before the Community Shield against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.