As the clock strikes 8 p.m. on Wednesday, the Borussia Dortmund staff may find themselves glancing at their watches, recalling memories of a former teammate, Erling Haaland, who left a lasting legacy during his two-and-a-half years at the club. Haaland, now an iconic figure in football, made headlines not just for his on-field prowess but also for his extraordinary off-field gestures.
Thomas Zetzmann, a former physio at Dortmund, reminisced about Haaland’s departure, highlighting the thoughtful farewell gifts he distributed to the club’s staff. Each individual received a Rolex or Omega watch, with a total value exceeding €250,000. This gesture profoundly impacted many who felt honored to be remembered by someone of Haaland’s stature. Zetzmann noted, “Other great players left who were there much longer than Erl, but he showed his appreciation to everyone — and I won’t ever forget that.”
In a heartfelt vlog titled ‘One last day with Erling’, Haaland expressed his emotions about leaving the club that helped him rise to prominence, stating, “It’s going to be really sad tomorrow, I think I’m gonna cry.” This marked not just his exit but also a celebratory chapter filled with camaraderie and achievements, including scoring a hat-trick on his Bundesliga debut.
Haaland’s journey began at Molde and quickly accelerated at Red Bull Salzburg, where he marked his arrival in Europe with an impressive goal tally. Borussia Dortmund quickly recognized his potential, paying his £17.1 million buyout clause amid competition from Europe’s elite clubs. His debut match for Dortmund saw him score a hat-trick in just 17 minutes, solidifying his status as a rising star.
During his tenure at Dortmund, he shattered several records and became known for his relentless pursuit of improvement. Colleagues described him as a “complete package,” with one coach noting his commitment to outworking others, often obsessively analyzing goalkeeping tactics during travel to matches. Despite facing challenges such as injuries, Haaland’s dedication remained unwavering as he employed his own fitness team to enhance his performance and manage his physicality.
As Haaland prepares to reunite with Dortmund on Wednesday, the club faces the challenge of stopping a player they nurtured into an elite talent. While familiar faces from his time at Dortmund, like goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and midfielder Emre Can, remain, the club has undergone significant evolution since his departure. Dortmund, often a staging ground for emerging talents, continues to grapple with the challenge of sustaining top-level competitive balance against giants like Bayern Munich.
Haaland still holds memories of his time at Dortmund dear, and as he gears up to face them as a Manchester City player, he is set to take the pitch as one of the most formidable strikers in football. His journey from a promising young player to a global superstar is a testament to his hard work, the support he received in Dortmund, and the lasting connections he forged during his career.