- Erling Haaland returned to training with Manchester City on Thursday
- However, the City superstar can take a break if he feels the need.
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Erling Haaland can take special leave if the Manchester City striker needs some time off following the death of his close friend Ivar Eggja.
As best man at Alfie Haaland’s wedding as part of a decades-long friendship, Eggja became a confidant of the Premier League Golden Boot winner.
The two were so close that Haaland affectionately called him “uncle”, with the 59-year-old playing a crucial role in the two players’ camp.
Haaland trained with Pep Guardiola’s side on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s game against Brentford, but the City boss stresses that family comes first and does not stop players from taking a break for personal reasons.
Eggja was present at Haaland’s launch at the Etihad Stadium in 2022 and has remained alongside the Norwegian international for most of his short career. They attended the Ballon d’Or ceremony together last year.
Erling Haaland can take special leave if the Manchester City striker needs time off following the death of a close friend
Haaland’s close family friend Ivar Eggja – whom he called “uncle” – has died at the age of 59
The Man City striker and Eggja attended the Ballon d’Or ceremony together last year
Haaland has specifically acknowledged the influence Eggja has had on him, helping him with the logistics of elite sport and finding an apartment in the city centre when he moved away from Borussia Dortmund – as well as when he joined the Bundesliga giants.
“You are a legend, Ivar,” Haaland said. “Words cannot describe how much you meant to me! Words cannot describe how much we will miss you!”
“Thank you for everything, you madman. We will see each other again. Rest in peace, Ivar.”
Haaland has already scored seven goals in three league games this season, including two consecutive hat-tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham United.
The 24-year-old’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, paid tribute to Eggja and emphasized his importance to the team.
“Ever since I met you, I thought your power was to light up any room,” she said. “I didn’t know it was a superpower and that you would go through so much so quickly in a way that is the best example of strength, dignity, tolerance and optimism that family and friends could only dream of.”
City boss Pep Guardiola stressed that family comes first and that he does not stop players from stepping away for personal reasons.
“It was an honor to be a small part of your journey.”
Phil Foden is now back in training after having to take a two-week break due to illness.
