Erling Haaland has proved he’s an old fashioned forward after taking No. 9 shirt at Manchester City

Erling Haaland has gone back to the future by confirming he’ll wear the No 9 shirt at Manchester City next season.

Haaland, who will be unveiled on Sunday in front of thousands of City fans, has chosen to stick with tradition after a period in which the Premier League’s most renowned goal-scorers Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane have worn 10 in tribute to Lionel Messi.

The prolific Norwegian striker has created a buzz in England since announcing his £51million move from Borussia Dortmund and will be the star of the show this afternoon when he is introduced at the Etihad Stadium along with City’s other summer signings Kalvin Phillips, Julian Alvarez and Stefan Moreno.

The No 9 jersey was worn with distinction by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole in the first decade of the Premier League but has gone out of fashion in recent years.

However, 21-year-old Haaland, whose strength and power is also a throwback, wore it last season in the Bundesliga and said: ‘I’m delighted to have been presented with the No 9 again. It’s a shirt that every striker aspires to and to wear it at one of the best clubs in the world is a dream come true.

‘It has been part of my story over the last two years, both at club level and with the national team, and I’m looking forward to continuing that at City.

‘I can’t wait to get started and I hope the fans are looking forward to it as much as we are. It’ll be great to come together with the other lads for the first time at the stadium and get the chance to be introduced to our supporters.

Haaland will become the 11th player to wear the No. 9 shirt for City in the Premier League era

A picture was posted on social media to confirm the decision made by the Norwegian forward

‘I’m sure it’s going to be a fantastic event and we hope to see as many of them as possible.’

As at other English clubs, the No 9 jersey had declined in importance at City over recent years. Valeri Bojinov, Emmanuel Adebayor, Álvaro Negredo, Nolito and Gabriel Jesus were previous incumbents.

However, the tradition is still strong in Europe where Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski are considered the world’s best. When Cristiano Ronaldo joined Real Madrid, he initially took the No9 shirt first made famous by Alfredo di Stefano.

Despite winning four Premier League titles in five years, City fans are preparing for a new-look Pep Guardiola campaign this season.

Alongside Haaland, Julian Alvarez will one of the fellow new signings announced

Alongside Haaland today will be fellow newcomers £45million England international midfielder Phillips, striker Alvarez, the Argentinian signed from River Plate, and German goalkeeper Moreno, who will back up Ederson.

Jesus and Fernandinho have already left the City squad that won the league title in May, with Raheem Sterling expected to wrap up a move to Chelsea shortly.

Guardiola is also looking for a left back and has been strongly linked with the Spaniard Marc Cucurella of Brighton.