Norway striker Erling Haaland's souvenir from USA creates waves on social media
When the Norwegian national team's charter jet arrived at Oslo Airport after their extra-time defeat to England, the gathered media expected a sombre, fatigued group. Instead, they received a viral masterpiece.
XtraTime Newsdesk: Erling Haaland's World Cup may have ended in quarter-final agony on the pitch, but the Norwegian star has still managed to steal the spotlight. Not for a record-breaking transfer or dazzling goals, but for a $750 taxidermied raccoon holding a bottle of whisky.
When the Norwegian national team's charter jet arrived at Oslo Airport after their extra-time defeat to England, the gathered media expected a sombre, fatigued group. Instead, they received a viral masterpiece.
Stepping onto the tarmac, flanked by teammates and holding a fancy travel bag in his left hand, Haaland used his right arm to cradle a stuffed, glassy-eyed raccoon placed on a wooden block, permanently locked in the process of drinking spirits. Taxidermy is the practice of preserving and filling the skins of deceased animals to make them appear realistic.
The odd cargo sparked an online phenomenon that has surpassed even the tactical post-mortems of Norway's leaving.
The rodent, now lovingly known as the "Whisky Raccoon," originated during Norway's stay in Texas. Following their Round of 32 victory over Ivory Coast, a calm Norwegian team went to Wild Bill's Western Store, a historic boutique in downtown Dallas. Among the 10-gallon hats and hand-stitched cowboy boots, Haaland seemed to have caught eyes with the taxidermy oddity.
Haaland had teased the purchase earlier this month by posting a Snapchat video of the taxidermied raccoon inside the store before choosing to buy it.According to store employees, the Manchester City striker was immediately smitten by the odd bit of Americana and purchased it on the spot. While others purchased customary boots and belts, Haaland elected to transport the preserved creature across team hotels, buses, and finally foreign airspace.
True to his imposing attitude, the striker did not attempt to conceal his new partner.
Haaland shared a photo of himself with the plush raccoon on social media with the caption: "It followed me home."
