No choice over Haaland - Bernstein

Manchester City chairman David Bernstein has claimed the club had no option other than to bring Alfie Haaland’s Maine Road career to a close.

At an emotional meeting with Bernstein, the former Leeds man was also told City were pulling back from their previous intention of suing skipper Roy Keane over his Old Trafford horror tackle in April 2001.

The Norwegian midfielder was put on six months notice yesterday after expert medical advice revealed he had little chance of making a comeback from a long-standing knee injury which has already required three operations.

Barring a miracle recovery, 30-year-old Haaland will leave the Blues for good in August, even though his contract is not due to expire until the summer of 2005.

"We have been advised that it is going to be difficult for Alfie to regain fitness and play first-team football,” admitted Bernstein.

“He has hardly played any football in nearly two years and over that period we have been supportive both medically and financially.

“We have taken top advice from all over the world – the USA, Scandinavia and in the UK – the whole thing has been incredibly sad.

“Alfie worked very, very hard to get himself fit and this decision has not been arrived at easily.

“It’s very difficult for Alfie and very difficult for us but it is my responsibility to get a proper balance on these things and protect the club’s interests.

“My colleagues and I have agonised over this decision but I believe we have allowed sufficient time to pass.”

Ironically, time was called on Haaland’s career barely 24 hours after it was revealed that Keane had also held discussions with United’s medical staff over his own future as he struggled to overcome a career-threatening hip injury.

As he comes to terms with a future outside the game, Haaland must also decide whether he will carry on with a personal legal fight against Keane.

Although he was already carrying his knee injury at the time of the tackle, the former World Cup star believes the impact taken on his other leg aggravated his existing condition.

After initially clearing Keane of causing any further damage to his knee, Haaland reviewed his position following comments in the Old Trafford captain’s controversial autobiography which implied the tackle had been motivated by revenge.

Keane was subsequently fined a record £150,000 (€224,000) and handed a five-match ban by the Football Association after being found guilty of two misconduct charges, although he was still recovering from surgery throughout his period of suspension.

City were set to back their player’s legal challenge but, after taking expert advice, have now decided the chance of victory is slim.

“The necessary medical and consequential legal advice has been received and carefully reviewed,” said a club statement.

“The conclusion is that it would be difficult for Manchester City to take action on medical grounds.

“However, Manchester City emphasise their disappointment at the sentiments expressed by Roy Keane regarding Alfie Haaland in his autobiography.”

Haaland will officially remain a City player until the summer, during which time he will have access to all the club’s medical and training facilities.

“I have nothing but praise for Alfie,” added Bernstein.

“He has behaved superbly. He is a first-class professional and as this club has moved forwards we had hoped Alfie would be part of that.

“It is very sad but Alfie has behaved impeccably. We will meet the full terms of his notice period and during that time he will remain as a player and be free to use the facilities.”