Haaland dresses in traditional Viking attire for a stunning photoshoot

Erling Haaland has harnessed his inner Viking after appearing dressing as one for a one-off photoshoot dressed as one in a Norway fjord.

The Manchester City superstar has emerged as one of the top strikers in world football, but recently took time out of his busy schedule to return to his homeland for a special opportunity.

Vikings have a long-associated history with Norway and City supporters have been seen donning iconic cultural fashion in homage to Haaland's heritage at matches. Now Haaland has joined in on the action himself.

The 23-year-old teamed up with renowned fine-art photographer David Yarrow as the pair settled in the shallows of a freezing Norwegian fjord for the unusual snapshot opportunity.

Haaland usually avoids appearing in the media spotlight but was convinced of getting involved in the photoshoot after a conversation between his dad Alfie and the Scottish photographer.

Dressed in boots and a fur chest covering, Haaland holds up a traditional Viking axe and shield, while his golden hair that's usually kept in a ponytail drapes down over his shoulders.

Yarrow explained some of the technicalities involved in capturing the stunning photos where he told the Times: 'We had some rubber boots made specially for Erling because in these fjords in Norway there are a lot of little oyster shells.

'They can be quite sharp and I didn't want him to slip, so I had to lead him by the hand into the sea, taking baby steps as we went,' Yarrow said.

'It was a very bizarre and surreal experience, particularly when he is a foot taller than me, but we had a laugh and everything was done very quickly.

'I can't think of a better person to be dressed up as a Viking. It suits him perfectly.'

On Haaland, Yarrow added: 'This was such a privilege to do and I undertook the project with humility and a sense of responsibility. His time is precious and I did not want to waste it.

'Erling was a pleasure to work with and the reaction to the image in Norway has been overwhelming, I hope we can raise some good amounts for charity as a result of this hour together. I thank the Haaland family for trusting me with the job.'

The limited images will set prospective buyers back £35,000 - £40,000 with all proceedings raised through picture sales going to charity.

Profits from the images will go to a charitable cause in Norway, selected by the City superstar.

Yarrow's work has raised over £11million since 2016, and the Scot is delighted his work has helped with another charitable cause.

Yarrow added: 'Some assignments are such a privilege and come with a sense of gratitude that transcends any need for commercial gain.

'Like so many people, I would’ve done this for nothing - which is exactly what we did.'