Haaland hopes to avoid retirement

The Norwegian has been waging a persistent battle against a knee injury for the past 17 months, amid fears he will never be able to play top level football again.

The Manchester City man has barely featured for his club since being injured by Roy Keane's horrific challenge in April 2001, although it is his other knee that is causing the problem.

Haaland has just returned from visiting specialist American surgeon Dr Richard Steadman but still has no idea when he will be allowed to kick a ball again.

After undergoing three operations in a bid to remedy the problem, two doctors have already advised Haaland to retire.

But after coming back from the US, Haaland harbours ambitions of being able to prolong his career.

"It was a long trip for little," Haaland told Stavanger Aftenblad. "Still I struggle with a swelling in my knee.

"I hope that it isn't that bad that I must retire. I'm passionate and hope for the best."