WWE legend John Cena says his video with Premier League top scorer Erling Haaland promoting Manchester City’s US Tour before the 2023/24 season was “a call to receive”.
Cena is shown wearing a long blonde wig, City shirt and scarf for a phone call with Haaland in the clip, with the striker performing his part by looking bemused at the actor’s celebrations, which accidentally take place with his camera on as part of the spoof.
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City’s pre-season tours of the US reflect the huge market for football in the country, and Cena’s immense Stateside popularity makes their partnership with the 46-year-old a potentially powerful one.
“You can’t see me?” City playfully asked on Twitter while sharing the exchange between Cena and their prolific Norway international. “Erling Haaland takes a call from his secret super fan, John Cena.”
The 16-time WWE champion responded with an emoji of the meditation pose Haaland has been known to strike when he scores, adding: “What a call to receive.”
Reigning top-flight champions City will face Celtic in Chapel Hill, AC Milan in New York, Barcelona in Orlando and Chelsea in Ohio during the tour, which takes place in July and August as part of the FC Series.
What a call to receive from @ErlingHaaland! https://t.co/4zXwUshtZN
— John Cena (@JohnCena) March 19, 2024
Haaland’s first experience as part of City’s squad came on their US trip in 2022 following his arrival for £53 million ($61m) from Borussia Dortmund.
He made his non-competitive debut during the tour and scored his first goal in a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich, as well as celebrating his 22nd birthday with his new team-mates.
Should he feature this time, Haaland could play at the iconic Yankee Stadium and the Ohio Stadium, which has a capacity of more than 100,000.
The Cityzens will hope to be preparing for a fourth successive title defence when their pre-season preparations begin.
Pep Guardiola’s side are currently embroiled in a title race with the potential to go right to the wire, standing a point shy of second-placed Liverpool, who are behind leaders Arsenal on goal difference.
Each of the contenders have 10 games remaining, starting for City at home to the Gunners on March 31.
