Erling Haaland sends 21-word message to Marc Cucurella after bizarre Spain and Chelsea antics

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has hit back at Chelsea and Spain defender Marc Cucurella.

The 24-year-old netted the first goal during Manchester City’s opening weekend Premier League win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, and also sparked a fresh war of words with defender Marc Cucurella.

Haaland rolled Manchester City into the lead in the 18th minute in west London, fending off the Spain defender to break the deadlock and mark his 100th appearance for the Sky Blues with his 91st goal.

The Norwegian striker has now scored 13 Premier League goals for Manchester City in August, despite the 2024/25 season being only Haaland’s third in the English top-flight, having signed from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.

The Blues’ advantage at Stamford Bridge was doubled in the 84th minute by former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, as Enzo Maresca suffered a 0-2 loss in his first Premier League match as a manager.

Post-match attention returned to the ongoing antics between Haaland and Cucurella however, even with defender having been forced off during the second-half against Manchester City due to cramp.

Cucurella had taken aim at Haaland during Spain’s celebration of the European Championship last month, including the 24-year-old’s name in a song about himself, which quickly gained traction online.

Haaland has now responded to the bizarre chant, saying: “He is a funny man. Last season he asked for my shirt. And this summer he sings a song about me.”

Manchester City had previously been linked with the potential signing of Cucurella, prior to the full-back choosing to swap Brighton for Chelsea in a £60 million deal in August 2022.

Cucurella and Haaland will be able to continue their battle in the new year, with Chelsea scheduled to visit the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League in January 2025.