City heartache for Håland
Friday, February 14, 2003
Article summary
Manchester City FC are to release Alf Inge Håland who has failed to recover from a career-threatening injury.
Article body
Wounded knee
The Premiership club will exercise a medical clause in Håland's contract, which is due to expire in 2005, to serve the player six months' notice of termination of employment. Håland, 30, has played for just 48 minutes after aggravating a knee injury when Manchester United FC's Roy Keane tackled him in a derby match in April 2001.
Bad news day
Following medical advice that the former Nottingham Forest FC and Leeds United AFC midfielder is unlikely to play again. City chairman David Bernstein informed Håland of the club's decision in a meeting on Thursday. "The whole thing has been incredibly sad," Bernstein said. "Alfie worked very, very hard to get himself fit and this decision has not been arrived at easily.
'Club's interests'
"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," added Bernstein. "My colleagues and I have agonised over this decision but I believe we have allowed sufficient time to pass."
