WHY I REMOVED HAALAND FROM THE GAME BEFORE HE COULD SURPASS MESSI'S MARK - GUARDIOLA

Erling Haaland and Pep Guardiola

Erling Haaland's five goals against RB Leipzig on Tuesday night were the reason Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola removed him from the game.

The 22-year-old striker was in top form in front of goal as City destroyed the Bundesliga team 7-0 in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16.

Haaland had finished his hat-trick at the Etihad by the conclusion of the first half.

Before Guardiola substituted him, Haaland had already scored twice after the break and was on his way to a double hat-trick, which would have broken a record long held by Lionel Messi.

"I told [Guardiola] I would love to score a double hat trick, but what can I do?," Haaland said on being substituted, before he could become the first player to ever score six goals in a single Champions League game."

Guardiola explained why he removed the Norwegian at that time after the game, saying: "If he achieves this milestone at 22, his life would be boring. He has something to aim for."