Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has finally revealed the true meaning behind the ‘stay humble’ message he issued to Arsenal.
Back in September 2024, during a Premier League clash between Manchester City and the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium, Haaland was caught on camera aiming a “stay humble” jibe in the direction of Mikel Arteta.
In what was an epic game, Haaland earlier in the game had bellowed “who the f*ck are you?” at Arsenal rookie Lewis-Skelly.
Erling Haaland reacts towards Myles Lewis-Skelly during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
However, during a return match in February, the Gunners claimed a 5-1 victory over City. Home fans at Emirates Stadium goaded Haaland, while Lewis-Skelly was on target and proceeded to break out the Norwegian striker’s iconic lotus celebration.
Speaking about the incident for the first time, Haaland noted he has no issue with that, telling TIME: “They won the game 5-1. So yeah, they got me. If he wanted to use that moment to mock me, that’s fair enough for him. Whatever he wants to do, he can do.”
Haaland added on his now infamous “stay humble” dig at Arteta and Arsenal, with the enigmatic 25-year-old having no regrets: “I think it’s an important phrase, which a lot of people should use, including myself. It’s one of the most important things, as individuals, to do.”
Manchester City will continue their rivalry with Arsenal during the 2025-26 Premier League campaign. Both clubs have spent big in the summer transfer window, hoping to wrestle a domestic crown away from reigning champions Liverpool.
