FOOTBALL fans were left starstruck after spotting one of the world’s most famous footballers at Newquay Harbour on Monday night.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who recently signed a new nine-and-a-half-year contract worth in the region of £400,000 a week, had reportedly flown down on a private helicopter to enjoy a sea fishing trip during a stay at North Fistral.

The Norwegian international was happy to sign autographs for football fans who recognised him.

One young fan even got their Manchester United football top signed by the football star.

Local fisherman Dave Trebilcock took Haaland, his best friend and private chef out Pollack fishing onboard his boat Che-Sara-Sara.

Mr Trebilcock said: “It all came about when I was phoned up random one day by another boat operator to take someone out fishing.

“They couldn’t take them out as their boat was on the quay.

“The trip was top secret. Nearer the time I was told the person I was taking out was a superstar so it was all hush hush.

“They came down and it was Erling Haaland. He was quiet and he had his best mate and chef with him.

“They wanted to go out fishing for the day.

“We went out 10 miles west of Newquay and caught a dozen nice Pollack and they took some photos.

“They wanted to take it all back for a fish feast of Pollack, lobster and crab.

“Haaland came across as a very nice, humble bloke.

“I said to him I was watching you last week play Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup at the Etihad.

“Haaland was not very talkative but he said Plymouth put up a good fight and that it was a good match.

“He caught a couple of Pollack and his best mate did as well.

“They had a good day out. The sea was calm and there was nice sunshine.

“They wanted the Pollack for a fish feast. I said the Pollack are just as good to eat as Cod.

“The chef knew what I was talking about but I don’t think Haaland did.

“I don’t think Haaland had ever fished before. I think they were more interested in the fish feast.”

Haaland bought 10 lobster and three crab for their fish feast off Daniel Gilbert on the quay.

Liverpool FC fan Kier Tamblin was among the football fans who met Haaland at the harbour.

Mr Tamblin said: “I was down the harbour working and I was extremely surprised to hear that Haaland was out on a fishing trip.

“I decided to go back down as I'm a bit football mad.

“He was a really nice person and was happy to take photos with a couple kids that had found out he was down there, and I managed to get a quick photo.

“I don't mind if he plays for rivals Manchester City.

“Being a big football fan, I couldn't miss the opportunity to meet him.

“Haaland is a brilliant footballer and chances like this don't come around very often.

“I was told he went out on a fishing trip having flown down on a private jet.”

Mr Tamblin joked: “I was surprised Haaland signed a Manchester United top a young boy had on him.

“I think Haaland signed the jersey as he just wanted to get out quickly before everyone turned up.”

Daniel Gilbert got his wellies signed by Haaland after he sold him the lobster.

Mr Gilbert said: “It was unreal meeting Haaland.

“He bought 10 lobsters off me.

“We talked about my team Leeds United and we talked about fishing.

“I told him I was on TikToc as the Cornish Fisherman and he said he would check it out.

“He was a really nice guy to sign my nephew’s Man United shirt and my yellow wellies.

“I was live on TikToc at the time and 400 people in my live witnessed it.”

Haaland has scored 83 goals for Manchester City in 93 appearances.

He won the Premier League title playing for the Sky Blues in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons but is set to miss out on the league title this season.