Haaland claims their criticism only inspires him to keep scoring

Erling Haaland wants more criticism of his form next season to fuel him on a charge for a third straight Golden Boot.

Haaland, who fired 27 goals as Manchester City clinched a record fourth consecutive Premier League title, has been the subject of intense debate this year.

Roy Keane’s inflammatory appraisal of the Norwegian’s general play, comparing Haaland to a ‘League Two player’, was the harshest critique and reignited an ongoing feud between the pair’s families.

But Haaland has shrugged off any remarks about his game and is now gunning to become the first man since Thierry Henry in 2006 to end three seasons running as the division’s top scorer.

‘If this is a bad season, then I’ll take it,’ said Haaland, who then added sarcastically: ‘It was a bad season, plain and simple — the only way is up. The more haters and critics, the better.’

Haaland and the City squad partied at Greek restaurant Fenix until 5am yesterday and are back in training tomorrow ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final with rivals Manchester United.

City could become the first club to win back-to-back domestic Doubles at Wembley, with Rodri admitting the scale of their achievements is yet to sink in.

‘I don’t think we’re conscious of what we’ve done and how tough it is to do four in a row,’ the midfielder said. ‘We’ve changed history, I think we’ll be remembered for ever.’