Manchester City youngster Allan Elias is still getting used to life in England. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland has apparently decided to have a bit of fun with his English.
The Brazilian arrived from Palmeiras in the summer and has made six appearances so far, scoring once and providing an assist. He’s now earned his first senior Brazil call-up. This gives him plenty to celebrate just a couple of months into his City career.
And while he’s enjoying every minute of it, Allan admits the language barrier has already caught Haaland’s attention.
Haaland’s jokes and help from Manchester City teammates
Speaking at a press conference with Brazil, as covered by Globo Esporte, the 22-year-old shared a few details about his first months in Manchester.
“It’s been really nice. There’s Vitor Reis, Matheus Nunes, Ruben [Dias]… They speak Portuguese and help me a lot.”
“Haaland sometimes comes over to talk to me and jokes that I don’t understand much, that I need to take English lessons. I’m taking them and trying to learn as quickly as possible.”
“I’m trying to make the most of this incredible moment by working hard in training and in my lessons to adapt as quickly as possible.”
So Haaland is apparently keeping an eye on his teammate’s language skills as well as his football. And fortunately for Allan, City have a few Portuguese speakers around to make those early months a little easier.
The Brazilian has already shown glimpses of his ability, especially with a goal and an assist on his debut against Norwich City. Regular opportunities have been harder to come by since then, but his progress has still been enough to earn Carlo Ancelotti’s attention.
Brazil call-up still feels unreal
Allan was introduced by Endrick at his first Brazil press conference. He admitted there’s another challenge waiting for him. This time, it involves singing in front of his new international teammates.
“I’m very happy to be here and very nervous. I sit with the lads who are coming for the first time and all we talk about is this introduction we’re going to have, what we’re going to sing, what joke we’re going to tell…”
“Ever since I found out I’d been called up, that’s what I’ve been thinking about the most.”
The excitement goes well beyond the usual initiation ceremony, though. For someone who was still establishing himself at Palmeiras earlier this year, training alongside some of Brazil’s biggest names takes a bit of getting used to.
“It’s difficult to arrive here and see players like Raphinha, Vini, Endrick…”
“My dad talks to me a lot and tells me that I’m capable, that I have my talent. Once I’m on the pitch, I can separate things, forget about everything else and focus completely.”
“Every time my dad sends me a message, I get even more anxious. I talk to my wife and tell her I can’t believe what I’m experiencing. Not long ago, all of this seemed so far away.”
“I can only thank God and try to make the most of it.”
It’s quite a lot for Allan to take in. He’s gone from Palmeiras to Manchester City and the senior Brazil squad in a matter of months.
His next challenge at club level is turning those early appearances into more regular football. At least the dressing room seems to be making him feel welcome, even if Haaland reckons his English needs some work.
