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    Ex-Arsenal star Vivianne Miedema seals three-year switch to Manchester City and hopes ‘best years are still to come’

    VIVIANNE MIEDEMA hailed her stunning Manchester City move as the “best fit” for her after joining the WSL giants as a free agent today.And the former Arsenal star, 27, is hopeful her best years on the pitch are still to come after sealing a three-year move to the Cityzens.Vivianne Miedema sees Manchester City’s football style as a good fit for herThe Netherlands forward’s contract with Man City will run until the summer of 2027Miedema’s move as a free agent comes two months after her departure from Arsenal after spending seven years with the GunnersCredit: PAHer contract with her new club will run until the summer of 2027. The Netherlands all-time record goal scorer had been heavily linked with the Manchester giants following her departure from the Gunners in May, after seven years at the club.The prolific forward will wear City’s number six shirt previously donned by ex-Cityzens skipper Steph Houghton before her retirement at the end of last season.Her switch to a team, pipped to the WSL title on goal difference by champions Chelsea last term, is a huge coup for boss Gareth Taylor’s side.Read More Football StoriesIt is also one of the biggest moves in this summer’s transfer window A window that has also seen London City Lionesses sign Kosovare Asllani, England star Fran Kirby join Brighton, and Mary Earps sign for Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Manchester United.In an interview for Man City’s web site, Miedema said:  “When I first heard Man City were interested, I thought, ‘ooh, that’s really interesting’.“They’re one of the clubs I’ve always followed to make sure they are doing well.Most read in Football“I’ve followed their development and with those two points together and the way they play football in the WSL made it, in the end, a pretty easy choice for me.”Having thought really hard about my future after leaving Arsenal, the main thing that popped up was that I want to be at a team that’s playing good football.”In women’s football right now City have got a clear philosophy.“They did really well last season and if I look at the way I want to play, it really suits this. “In the end it’s obviously a massive bonus that I do stay in the WSL. I think it was the best fit for me.”Miedema, regarded as one of world’s best strikers, is currently Arsenal’s all-time record scorer in the WSL having netted 126 goals for her old club.The player, is also currently the all-time top scorer in the WSL having netted 80 goals in the division.Last season saw Miedema’s game time hampered by injury following her return to match action last October from an 11-month spell out with an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.She made 14 appearances for the Gunners last term and also underwent minor knee surgery in March which kept her sidelined for several weeks. If I get back to my best again we can achieve really nice things together.Vivianne MiedemaDuring her time with Arsenal, Miedema won four major trophies including a WSL title back in 2019.And the Dutch forward, who won the Euros in 2017 in a Netherlands side then managed by Sarina Wiegman, hopes to bring her best form to her new team.Miedema adds: “I’m only 27 and I haven’t played as much football as I have wished over the last two years, but I hope my best years are still to come and I hope that’s here at City.“I hope to be able to help the team as much as I can do. “I am just really excited to be part of the team and for the girls to hopefully help me and get me back to my best.”If I get back to my best again then we can achieve really nice things together.”Miedema’s Man City move will see her join Netherlands team-mates Jill Roord and Kerstin Casperij at the club.The forward is due to link up with her national team this month before their Women’s Euros qualifier games against Italy and Norway on 12th and 16th of July.Miedema’s switch sees her renunited with her old Arsenal team-mate Jill RoordCity Women’s boss Taylor said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming Viv to City and seeing her flourish over the next three years. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Our ambition is to compete on the highest stage and for the highest honours, and Viv is aligned to this desire. “She’s a top talent that I’m excited to work with as she’s a player I’ve always admired. Viv will be a real asset to the team.”  More

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    Jack Grealish dons hilarious shoulder-length blond WIG as he lets his hair down after England exile

    JACK Grealish was today spotted letting his hair down after he was dropped from the Euros – by donning a WIG on his luxury St Tropez getaway.The Man City ace appeared to mock his signature highlighted curtains by sporting shoulder-length blond locks.Jack Grealish, 28, was spotted sporting a blond wig and black capCredit: BackGridThe Manchester City ace was having some fun in Saint-Tropez, FranceCredit: BackGridHe was seen smiling as he petted two dogs on SaturdayCredit: BackGridHe tucked them under a black cap and also wore a tank top, shorts and sliders while soaking up the sunshine with pals in the south of France.An onlooker said: “It all seemed like great fun. “Other people on the beach had to look twice as Jack looked more like his teammate Erling Haaland.”Grealish, 28, was seen smiling as he petted two dogs on Saturday as his partner Sasha Attwood looks after their cockapoo at home in Cheshire.The £100m winger will have to find somewhere to watch England’s crunch match against Slovakia after Gareth Southgate dropped him from the squad.It is his second trip abroad since the disappointment after the ex-Aston Villa captain was seen enjoying himself in Dubai.Axed from Euro 2024 England squadFORMER Arsenal star Paul Merson revealed his theory as to why the £100million Manchester City star was not brought to Germany.Appearing on Football’s Greatest Pod alongside legendary presenter Jeff Stelling, Merson was asked about the thoughts of Gordon and Palmer’s zero minutes so far, revealing a theory about avoiding conflict in the camp.The 56-year-old said: “That’s why they’re there and Jack Grealish is not there. Because Jack, I imagine, would be going mad now. I can’t imagine Gordon and Palmer saying anything.”I just imagine them sitting there, just saying to himself; ‘Well, maybe I should be getting on’.”I don’t see him saying anything to him. I could see a Grealish going to Gareth and going; ‘Why am I not playing?'”He continued: “I think he brings on Eze, who’s one of our most gifted players to do a job, he’s running back.”He puts Bowen on the other side, Bowen’s alright if you want to keep a lead, you know if we’re winning like we were last week [against Serbia].”We’re one-nil up, you put him out on the right, he’ll do what it says on the tin, get up and down, block crosses, get crosses in.”But you don’t put him on to win a game in my opinion. You know there’s horses for courses.”You’ve got to put Palmer on, he scored 20 goals this season. You know he can play with that bit of flair. Eze gets on and he doesn’t touch the ball hardly, there’s no plan.”You know I would play Watkins but I’d have to keep Kane in the team. I’d have to find a way because you know you have to keep world class players on the football pitch.”Meanwhile, Southgate said of his decision to chop Grealish: “I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated. I think the world of him as a kid.”It certainly doesn’t get any easier. You put yourself in the shoes of a player, a parent.”You understand that for these players this is a devastating moment. We knew we had a couple of really difficult days coming up.”The whole period has been tough, going back to talking to Marcus Rashford and Hendo (Jordan Henderson). Lots of difficult calls. But we have worked through all of that.”It comes after Gareth Southgate did not select the player in his Euro 2024 England squad.Grealish was said to have been shocked by the decision to leave him out of the team, while Three Lions stars were also understood to have left taken aback by the call.Most read in FootballBut, the Man City winger has returned to the training pitch ahead of pre-season.He shared a video from Juventus’ academy training pitch at the weekend.Paul Merson reveals theory about why Jack Grealish was snubbed from England’s Euro 2024 squad And Grealish has since flown back to Manchester to continue pre-season preparations at City’s training ground.The former Aston Villa star took part in a session with personal trainer Jamie Reynolds on Tuesday and filmed a short video of himself for Instagram.Grealish posted the clip during England’s Euro 2024 match against Slovenia.The Three Lions played out a disappointing 0-0 draw with Matjaz Kek’s side in Cologne.After the match, England boss Gareth Southgate said: “I’m not going to back away from it, The most important thing is the supporters stay with the team.”He continued: “I understand the narrative towards me and that’s better for the team than it being towards them.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar.”I understand it, I’m not going to back away from it, but I’m very proud of the players for how they’re operating within it.”England player ratings: Southgate’s Gallagher experiment fails miserably vs SloveniaENGLAND served up another underwhelming performance – but still managed to top Group C.England dominated the ball, but Southgate will have plenty of questions to answer after a third straight display that lacked inspiration.SunSport’s Tom Barclay has given his ratings of the England players.Jordan Pickford – 6Largely a spectator due to England’s dominance on the ball. Asked the touchline what the Denmark score was during one break in the second half.Kieran Trippier – 6The one positive of having a right-footed player playing left-back is that he can dispatch in-swinging crosses, and one such one should have been headed home by Conor Gallagher before the break.Marc Guehi – 7Cruyff turn early doors showed his confidence from excellent displays against Serbia and Denmark, and barring one loose pass was good again.John Stones – 6One of many to miss his target with his passing. He wasn’t bad but, like others, way off what he has produced for his club.Kyle Walker – 5Played so safe, rarely looked to get forward. Was lucky at one point that Pickford was alive to his blast of a pass-back. Sliced cross after break summed up his off-night.Conor Gallagher – 4Got the nod after the Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment ended, but was poor, particularly, in possession and replaced at half-time by Kobbie Mainoo.Declan Rice – 7Had promised an “in your face” performance from his team, but he was really the only one to produce it. Very good out of possession, much better than against Denmark.Phil Foden – 7Liveliest of England’s attacking four by a mile and went close with a stinging free-kick. Booked for dissent, summing up England’s frustration.Jude Bellingham – 5Cut a very frustrated figure as he and Harry Kane got in each other’s way at times, while he was often shunted wide left as Phil Foden moved into the middle.Bukayo Saka – 6Tapped home on 20 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside in the build-up. OK but once again subbed after the break, perhaps due to fitness concerns.Harry Kane – 6Insists he is 100 per cent fit and maybe he is. What is 100 per cent certain is that he has been nowhere near as effective in this tournament as he usually is for England, albeit he was marginally better here.SubstitutesKobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher at half-time) – 7Made a difference when coming on, making England much more positive in their play. So much more confident with his touch than Gallagher.Cole Palmer (for Bukayo Saka on 71) – 7Finally made an appearance at this tournament and one clever ball through for Mainoo showed what he can do.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Kieran Trippier on 84) – 6Came on for the final few minutes at right-back, with Walker going to left-back.Anthony Gordon (for Phil Foden on 88) – 6Like Palmer, first minutes at the Euros, but too late to make an impact.He tucked the blond locks under a black cap and wore a tank top, shorts and slidersCredit: BackGridGrealish paired the hilarious look with some navy shortsCredit: BackGridThe player looked in good spirits out with palsCredit: BackGridHe stopped to pet two dogs in Saint TropezCredit: BackGridGareth Southgate did not select the player in his Euro 2024 England squadCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Today I would make a different decision’ says Leroy Sane as he admits regret over huge Man City tattoo on his back

    LEROY SANE has admitted his biggest regret from his time at Manchester City – a huge back tattoo of himself.The 28-year-old winger is with the Germany squad trying to help them achieve Euro 2024 glory on home turf.Leroy Sane has revealed his biggest regret from his time at Man CityCredit: GettyThe star had this back tattoo inked during his time at the EtihadCredit: XHe came off the bench in all three of their group matches, including the final 1-1 draw with Switzerland, to help them finish top.Sane will now be desperate to add to his 13-goal international haul when Germany face Denmark in the last-16 on Saturday.Sane plays his club football at Bayern Munich and has scored 29 times in 123 Bundesliga appearances since joining them in 2020.But, prior to that, he enjoyed a four-year spell at Manchester City, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and three League Cups.READ MORE ON EURO 2024One of Sane’s finest moments came when he scored in a 5-3 Champions League win over Monaco – although the Cityzens ended up eventually losing the tie on aggregate.The ex-Schalke star got a tattoo to commemorate the strike, but now wishes he hadn’t.Speaking to Der Spiegel, Sane said: “As I said, I was young. Today I would make a different decision.“I was someone who had to run into the wall at least once, even if it hurt, in order to learn from it, especially at a young age.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSane hit the headlines when he revealed the artwork back in 2017 – something he admits took him by surprise.He said: “I was surprised that this topic was so big in the media, I was still a real youngster.Leroy Sane PUNCHES TV camera after Bayern Munich concede third goal in devastating defeat to Bayer LeverkusenWho is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.But who is the sexiest?Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story.“In Germany there were much more important players than me, and yet this tattoo was still being debated.“Friends have told me that too: ‘Leroy, some people say that you come across as really arrogant.’ I can even understand that a little bit. “When I’m in public, I tend to stay aloof. I don’t want to reveal too much about myself.“That can come across wrongly. It’s not intentional. And I’m not like that either.”Sane left the Etihad in 2020 to return to his homeland.He has since won the Bundesliga three times as well as the Fifa Club World Cup, Uefa Super Cup and three German Super Cups. More

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    Erling Haaland and stunning girlfriend Isabel relax on yacht then cosy up together on rowing boat during Italy holiday

    ERLING HAALAND quite literally let his hair down while cosying up to girlfriend Isabel on a yacht in Italy. The Manchester City star has been enjoying a summer break following Norway’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024 in Germany. Erling Haaland on holiday in ItalyCredit: BackGridThe Man City forward let his hair down alongside girlfriend Isabel on the yachtCredit: BackGridIsabel wore a black swimsuit for the day outCredit: BackGridHaaland lets his hair down and has a little chuckleCredit: BackGridThe Man City star wore some pink swim trunksCredit: BackGridThe couple brace themselves for a boat rideCredit: BackGridSo while City team-mates Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker are all on international duty, Haaland is relaxing. First, he took a trip to Cannes and then Marbella with his friends and was captured playing DJ at a swanky bar. But it looks as though he is winding down after being spotted on a yacht in Capri, a scenic island in Italy’s Bay of Naples. Haaland – wearing pink trunks – enjoyed a boat ride with partner Isabel – who had a black swimsuit on. READ MORE ON WAGSThe two-time Premier League winner and top scorer was later snapped enjoying an ice cream wearing a white T-shirt and grey shorts. Haaland is believed to have met Isabel while both lovebirds were playing football back home in Norway. She spent time in Germany when the forward was signed to Borussia Dortmund and in England with Prem champions City. Isabel has watched Haaland win the Champions League and Prem title – and celebrated by wearing his winning medals afterwards. Most read in FootballHaaland enjoying some time out with palsCredit: BackGridHaaland has a little smile to the cameraCredit: BackGridIsabel might want to make sure her phone is safeCredit: BackGridShe is believed to work part-time in a fashion store while she is still studying. Haaland meanwhile is due to turn his attention to City’s pre-season tour of America – starting on July 23 – once his holiday is over. Isabel played football herself back home in NorwayShe has been with Haaland since his Dortmund daysIsabel wearing Haaland’s Champions League medalCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunHaaland got back into some dry clothesCredit: BackGridAnd he enjoyed an ice cream after doing soCredit: BackGrid More

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    Ellie Roebuck hails ‘perfect’ Barcelona move after Catalan giants sign the ex-Manchester City ace on a two-year deal

    ELLIE ROEBUCK reckons her switch to Barcelona has come at a perfect time after sealing a move to the Catalan giants.The ex-Manchester City goalkeeper, 24, has joined the club as a free agent on a contract running until June 2026.Ellie Roebuck’s Barcelona move follows her announcing her departure from Manchester City last monthCredit: GettyThe Sheffield-born goalkeeper lifted three FA Cups and three Conti Cups during her eight-year stint with the CityzensCredit: GettyRoebuck’s Barcelona move has comes almost two years on from Lucy Bronze (pictured) and Keira Walsh joining the Liga F titansCredit: AFPRoebuck’s move, following her May departure from Man City, has seen her become the third Lioness to join the nine-time champions of Spain’s top-flight since 2022. Two years ago the Catalan giants signed her fellow ex-City aces Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh. And Roebuck’s switch comes three months after the Sheffield-born England star opened up on being the “on the road to recovery” from a stroke.  Of her Barca move, Roebuck, who made 100 Cityzens appearances, said: “I want to go private and live a new experience.Read More Football Stories”There’s no better place to do it than here, so I’m grateful for the opportunity.”I like to play with the ball at my feet and this is the perfect team to do that. “They like to have possession and play from the back, so I hope to bring my style.”I am very excited. I had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. I am very happy to be here.Most read in Football“You could say that now everything has fallen into place, it was the perfect time to come.”Roebuck moved to Man City from Sheffield United’s Centre of Excellence in 2015 before signing her first professional deal with the Cityzens three years later.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe 2019-20 season saw her keep ten clean sheets in 16 Women’s Super League games, winning the WSL’s inaugural Golden Glove award. Four years ago, the player who has won three FA Cups and three League Cups and a WSL title, was shortlisted for Fifa’s Best Women’s goalkeeper gong.However last season Roebuck did not feature in any top-flight games for City with teenage shot stopper Khiara Keating impressing for the side.And in March the goalkeeper revealed she had suffered a type of stroke known as a left occipital infarct, but had no lasting damage to her brain or vision.Back then, she said: “Life can throw unexpected challenges at you. “If this year has taught me anything, it’s that I’m strong and will give it all I’ve got for the thing I love most.”Roebuck’s Barcelona switch comes 11 days after the departure of the team’s former first-choice goalkeeper Sandra Panos.It also comes month after the Liga F giants won the Women’s Champions League for the third time in their history with a 2-0 victory against French juggernauts Lyon.Roebuck’s move will see her compete for game time with goalkeepers Cata Coll and Gemma Font.Majorca-born shot-stopper Coll was part of the Spain side that beat England in the final of last year’s Women’s World Cup.Roebuck was part of the Lionesses squad that won the 2022 Euros and reached the Women’s World Cup final last summer.And the former City ace, who has kept six clean sheets for England, hopes to get back into contention for international call-ups.Roebuck will compete for game time with Barcelona goalkeeper team-mates Cata Coll (pictured) and Gemma FontCredit: ReutersIn April, the 11-capped goalkeeper said: “To be a part of the squad that won (the Euros) was incredible. READ MORE SUN STORIES”To do that back-to-back would just be a dream.”My perception on life has taken a massive shift and this is something I’d be grateful to be a part of again.” More

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    Fans certain ‘no one’s getting near Man City’ as they spot Premier League run-in that guarantees ‘maximum points again’

    FANS are convinced “no one is getting near” Manchester City next season after the Premier League fixtures were released. For the fourth season in a row, Pep Guardiola’s side prepare to defend their title.Manchester City look for their fifth straight Prem titleCredit: GettyBut rival supporters believe they have been blessed with a final run of games. Their last 11 matches will see City take on Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Leicester, Manchester United, Crystal Palace, Everton, Aston Villa, Wolves, Southampton, Bournemouth and Fulham.One fan reacted: “Man City guaranteed 10/11 wins in the final run in.”Another fumed: “Look at Man City final run in, that reeks of maximum points again.”READ MORE IN football One raged: “Man City’s Premier League run in….. no one is getting near them again.”But, another argued: “Everyone plays the same teams the same amount of times. There’s literally no point of us moaning.”The 2024-25 campaign gets underway on the weekend of August 17-18 and finishes on May 25, 2025.And City travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea in their very first match of the season. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOn September 21, City host last season’s runners-up Arsenal and welcome United in the first Manchester derby on December 14. The first major derby of the season will take place on August 31 when United welcome bitter rivals Liverpool to Old Trafford.Rodri questions Arsenal’s ‘mentality’ and says ‘they don’t want to beat us’ as he reveals what cost them title More

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    Most expensive Euro 2024 XI revealed as FOUR England stars feature in £1.1billion line-up

    EURO 2024 features many of the biggest stars in world football.So it is no surprise that many of them carry incredible price tags.Jude Bellingham has been prolific for Real MadridCredit: GettyWe have put together the most expensive XI we could manage using Transfermarkt’s valuations.And it comes out at an incredible £1.1billion – a price even Manchester City and Newcastle’s owners would find pricey.It features four Citizens and seven Premier League aces in total, with four of them – including the joint-most expensive – representing England.Diogo Costa: £38millionPortugal stopper, 24, is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in world football and has been linked with Manchester United.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTrent Alexander-Arnold: £59mEngland star 25, has made the full-back position his own thanks to staggering technical ability.William Saliba: £67.5mFrenchman, 23, has been a rock at the heart of Arsenal’s defence.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTWilliam Saliba is a towering presenceCredit: GettyRuben Dias: £67.5mThe Portugal and Man City, 27, centre-back is probably the best in the world in his position.Josko Gvardiol: £63.5mCroatia have an ageing team but City star Gvardiol, 22, has a bright future.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRodri: £101.5m Yet another Citizen, 27-year-old Rodri will be at the heart of Spain’s midfield.Jude Bellingham: £152mThe jewel in England’s crown, Real Madrid starlet Bellingham, 20, has the world at his feet.How France can win Euro 2024Florian Wirtz: £110m The 21-year-old Germany playmaker may not be at Bayer Leverkusen long if he continues to shine on home soil.Florian Wirtz tore Scotland apart in Germany’s openerCredit: GettyPhil Foden: £127m England playmaker, 24, is now a City regular and still has room to develop.Bukayo Saka: £118.5mSaka, 22, is a constant threat on the right flank for Arsenal and England. Kylian Mbappe: £152mThe France skipper, 24, will form a lethal partnership with Bellingham at Real next season. More

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    Man City’s Erling Haaland lets his hair down as he boots a ball around on yacht in Cannes after missing Euro 2024

    NORWEGIAN striker Erling Haaland has a ball on his volley-days after missing the boat on qualifying for the Euros.The Man City net-buster, 23, was seen booting a ball around while on a yacht on a break in Cannes, France.Erling Haaland kicks a ball around after missing the boat on qualifying for the EurosCredit: BackGridThe Norwegian striker let his hair down aboard a yacht on a break in Cannes, FranceCredit: BackGridErling was pictured going on a ride on a jet ski while on his holidayCredit: BackGridHe was joined on the water by pals and his dad — former City and Leeds ace Alfie, 51. Erling has won the Premier League twice, plus the FA Cup and Champions League in the last two years.Last season he scored 45 goals in all competitions for City — and six of Norway’s 14 goals in their qualifying campaign. But they were not enough to get them to Euro 2024, which starts tonight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn fact, Norway have not qualified for a major tournament since 2000.But Erling kept his skills sharp and let his hair down by going for a ride on a jet ski.Earlier this week, Erling played DJ in Marbella.Haaland and an entourage of friends were spotted partying hard in Marbella, with the group clearly loving life.Most read in Euro 2024Haaland let his trademark long blonde locks flow as the group vibed with DJ Angel Sanchez at the Restaurante Playa Padre.As the music blasted, Haaland danced the night away with a mischievous grin on his face.The Man City ace was also spotted soaking up the sunCredit: BackGridHaaland was joined by friends and family on the luxury yachtCredit: BackGridThe ace scored 45 goals in all competitions for City last seasonCredit: RexErling Haaland lets his hair down as he plays DJ on well-earned Marbella holiday while Man City pals head to Euros More