Paolo Wanchope says Erling Haaland can win Champions League for Manchester City

PAOLO WANCHOPE says Erling Haaland can win the Champions League for Manchester City – because he’s a chip from the old block.

If that striker was in diapers at just a month, his dad Alf-Inge Haaland and Wanchope tore it up at the club.

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In July 2000, Alf-Inge joined City from Leeds in a £2.5million deal.

Wanchope then became a record for a club preparing to play in the top flight football for the first time in more than four years when he arrived for £3.65million in early August.

And the duo enjoyed dream house debuts against sunderland in May 2000.

Costa Rica forward Wanchope combined with Haaland to complete a hat-trick that day and also became the assist for the right-back, who scored in the 4-2 win Maine Street.

Paulo Wanchope said on behalf of 888sport: “The atmosphere on Maine Road that day was crazy.

“Scoring three goals and getting Alf ready drove all the fans crazy.

“It was a great start for both of us at home. I felt that connection with the people and now when I get a chance to see City play, the fans always remember me and treat me like I’m still playing.

“Alf was a very competitive guy. I love seeing his son step up now and give 100 percent like his dad used to do.

“I remember Alf was a great professional, had a nice personality to be around and train with. I have great memories with him.”

Wanchope has worked with some of the Premier League’s best over the years, including Paolo Di Canio at West Ham and Robbie Fowler at Manchester City.

He scored 12 goals for the Hammers in a team that also included rising talents Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick.

But he doesn’t know how Pep Guardiola would have fared if he and Erling Haaland had played at City.

Wanchope added, “I’ve played with great players like Di Canio and Fowler.

“I don’t know if me and Haaland could play together or not, it depends on the style. At the moment Guardiola could try me or Haaland, but of course he would have to start Haaland!

“He is unbelievable. A great striker and one of the best at the moment. He will continue to improve at City with Guardiola and in the coaching staff.

“They have a good chance of going all the way up in the Champions League and playing in the final and winning it now with a top striker.”

Wanchope even recommended that Guardiola and his players listen to salsa music ahead of their quarter-final second leg Bayern Munich to calm the nerves – even though they are already 3-0 up.

After all, it was salsa music that provided the backdrop to the day that would change Wanchope’s life forever.

It helped him score a stunning goal at Old Trafford on the day he made his arc in English football with a famous 3-2 win for Derby County.

He sliced ​​Manchester United to pieces, slid past Nicky Butt halfway and danced into the field with the ball at his feet.

He slipped past Phil Neville and passed Gary Pallister before firing a low shot past Peter Schmeichel.

Wanchope said: “I will never forget what manager Jim Smith did.

“I was really excited to play the game. The night before this game I couldn’t sleep.

“I was waking up every two or three hours because I was really scared.

“I always say it was really good of Smith when he asked me when we were going to Old Trafford what kind of music I like and I said salsa music to him.

“He put it on the couch and the boss and everyone tried dance Salsa, that was really something special from Smith.

“Maybe City should listen to salsa music to relax in front of Bayern Munich like I did before my debut.”

Paulo Wanchope spoke on behalf of 888sport. Visit 888sport for the latest football odds.