‘Diver’ Elliot Anderson reveals unique Haaland welcome to Man City after crushing team-mate’s World Cup dreams

ELLIOT ANDERSON laughed off Erling Haaland calling him ‘The Diver’ as the club-record signing took the plunge at Manchester City. The new team-mates clashed at the World Cup during England’s quarter-final showdown with Norway in Miami. Elliot Anderson insists he is getting along really well with Erling Haaland – despite being branded ‘the diver’ by the striker Credit: Getty Haaland and Anderson clashed during the World Cup match between England and Norway Credit: Getty Haaland thought Norway had taken a second-half lead only for Torbjorn Heggem’s ‘goal’ to be ruled out by VAR after the striker’s push on City’s £116million signing Anderson in the build-up. Nearly four weeks on, Haaland showed he had not forgotten the flashpoint, referring to Anderson as ‘The Diver’ on social media. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! However, there was no ill feeling as both players reported for pre-season training yesterday. Asked if he had seen his new team-mate’s post, Anderson, 23, said: “Yeah, it went viral. He’s been calling me a diver! “It was funny. He has been really good today and has helped me settle in. “He’s been spot on with me — a really good guy.” The Three Lions went on to win the last-eight tie 2-1 – only to go out in the semis as Argentina staged a late comeback. Ex-Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson has had three weeks off but admits he is still not over the nature of that Atlanta exit. Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Haaland has been helping Anderson to settle in at City following the midfielder’s £116m transfer Credit: AFP He added: “It’s really hard. I’m still sort of struggling with that. “There are highs and lows in football. It’s about how you bounce back. “I’ve had three weeks to reflect on it but now is a new season. “But I take huge confidence knowing I can perform on a World Cup stage.” Anderson briefly became the most expensive British player of all time this summer — only for England team-mate Morgan Rogers to take the record when he joined Chelsea a few days later. The City new boy, 23, said: “The fee always will be mentioned. As long as I focus on myself and my performances, that’s all I can do. “I’m sure I can show people what I can do. But I’m good friends with Morgan, I’m delighted he got the move he wanted.” Anderson was also chased by Manchester United but never had any doubts he wanted City. And not even Pep Guardiola’s May departure could change his mind. Anderson said: “I’ve been watching City for the past ten years or so. “Pep leaving didn’t affect me at all. It’s such a huge club and the players they have are the best. “I wanted to be surrounded by these sort of players, proving myself on a daily basis. “I’ve done a bit of work with (City boss) Enzo Maresca on my first day and I’m really looking forward to more — you can see the details he goes into.” As for United’s interest, he added: “I knew about it. You’ve got a big decision to make — and I’m confident I’ve made the right one.” Before signing for City, he bumped into former United stars Ryan Giggs and Phil Bardsley while playing golf in Portugal. They tried to turn his head towards the red side of town but Anderson said: “We had a nice chat, I had a decision to make and I chose City.” Asked if they had come close to changing his mind, the new Etihad star said firmly: “No”. Comment now