Future stars meet City's legends: Guardiola and Haaland's day with the academy

Children from the Manchester City academy met Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland during a training session. At one moment, the young players excitedly rushed to their team's striker, leaving behind the Citizens' manager.

Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland are Manchester City's crown jewels. The former, a globally acclaimed football coach, led the team to its inaugural Champions League triumph last season. A prolific forward, Erling Haaland is tipped to clinch the Ballon d'Or soon.

For the children in the Manchester City academy, meeting Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland is an unforgettable experience, even though the first team's roster includes other luminaries, such as Kevin De Bruyne.

A memorable moment unfolded when Pep Guardiola fostered a light-hearted atmosphere during the special training session and directed the eager young players towards Erling Haaland in a playful turn of events.

Guardiola, aged 53, posed a humorous question to the kids: Who had scored more goals - he or 23-year-old Erling Haaland? Wisely, the children acknowledged that despite being 30 years his junior, Erling Haaland’s goal tally far exceeded that of his manager. Guardiola, who was more focused on defensive duties as a central midfielder during his playing days, wasn't known for scoring goals.

"Then go to Haaland," said Pep Guardiola, feigning offence at the young trainees' response. Erling Haaland, also playing along, was standing just a short distance away.

The training session concluded with the children posing for a group photo with Manchester City's top scorer. The visit left them with lasting memories of their time with the first team.