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Erling Haaland donates ancient Viking book to Norway

haaland smiling wearing his football kit.Getty Images

Footballer Erling Haaland has donated a rare Viking book to the town he grew up in, in Norway.

The Manchester City striker originally bought the book for 1.3 million Norwegian crowns (£100,000) - a record for a book sale in Norway - back in December.

The book is a 1594 printed version of a work by the 13th-century historian Snorri Sturluson, and tells medieval stories of Viking kings, queens, farmers and warriors.

It is thought to be the only surviving copy, and now Haaland has donated it to a library in Bryne, in Norway, so it can go on display and be viewed by the public.

haaland smilling and clapping in his man city outfit.Getty Images

Haaland is the top scorer in the Premier League this season with 22 goals in 29 appearances

"I want the book always to lie open so that people can read about those who came from where I come from, from Bryne and Jæren," Haaland said to Norwegian media.

Haaland was born in Leeds in the UK - as his father Alf-Inge was playing for Leeds United at the time - but he later moved to the town of Bryne in Norway aged three, where he grew up.

He said: "I've been lucky enough to live out my dream through football, and I know not everyone gets that chance.

"Books give so many more people the chance to dream big, see new possibilities and find their own path."