Erling Haaland reveals why he's stayed away from interacting with the media

Erling Haaland has revealed he chose to stay away from interacting with the media while on international duty with Norway because of advice he received from a farmer.

The Borussia Dortmund striker scored three goals in Norway's last two friendlies, one against Slovakia and two in the 9-0 thrashing of Armenia on Tuesday.

During his entire time with the national side, Haaland refused to speak with the media, and in a tweet posted on Tuesday, the 21-year-old has explained the reason behind his silence.

Haaland wrote on Twitter: "I was given advice by a farmer a few years back: let your feet do the talking and everything else will be fine. I said okay and walked away."

Norway coach Stale Solbakken confirmed that Haaland had requested to be kept away from media duties. "He has expressed to me that he would like to be screened a little," the coach told reporters.

"He explained to me why. He explained to me in a nice and factual way, and a very convincing way that he needs it.

"I see no reason not to respect that. When we meet next time [in June], Erling will be sitting here answering questions from you. Then that saga will be over."

Haaland has been linked with an exit from Dortmund this summer, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Manchester City interested in signing the younger. However, he has insisted that he will only take a decision over his future once the current season ends.

Norwegian outlet NRK tracked down the 'farmer' who gave the advice to Haaland, and revealed the person was former footballer Gabriel Hoyland.

Hoyland is regarded as Norwegian side Byrne's greatest ever players and still has the club's record in appearances, having played 595 matches.

"My son contacted Erling and got confirmation that it was me he was talking about," he said. "I did not feel completely recognisable, but when Erling says that, I believe him. If he remembers it, it must have been useful."