Erling Haaland has the option to take compassionate leave in case he needs time off after the passing of his close friend Ivar Eggja, who was a significant figure in his life and career.
The bond between Haaland and Eggja was so strong that they shared a deep friendship that spanned many years, with Eggja playing a vital role in supporting the Premier League’s top scorer.
Haaland even referred to Eggja as ‘uncle’, showing the level of closeness between them. Despite training with Manchester City ahead of their upcoming match against Brentford, Haaland has the full support of manager Pep Guardiola if he decides to take a break to prioritize his family and personal well-being.
Eggja was a constant presence in Haaland’s life, from his unveiling at the Etihad Stadium to attending events like the Ballon d’Or ceremony together, showcasing their strong bond both on and off the field.
If Erling Haaland needs some time off to grieve the loss of a dear friend, Manchester City is prepared to grant him compassionate leave.
Haaland is mourning the loss of his beloved family friend Ivar Eggja, whom he affectionately referred to as his ‘uncle’, as he has passed away at the age of 59.
The Man City forward, along with Eggja, attended the prestigious Ballon d’Or event together last year. Haaland has been grateful for Eggja’s assistance in navigating the challenges of elite sports and securing accommodation in the city center when he moved from Borussia Dortmund to join the Bundesliga giants.
“You are truly a legend, Ivar,” expressed Haaland. “I can’t put into words how much you’ve meant to me and how much you’ll be missed. Thank you for everything, you crazy man. We’ll meet again. Rest in peace, Ivar.”
Haaland has already scored seven goals in three league games this season, including back-to-back hat-tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham United. His agent, Rafaela Pimenta, also honored Eggja, emphasizing his crucial role in their team.
“Since I first met you, I’ve always admired how you can light up any room,” she noted. “I never realized it was a superpower until I saw you tackle challenges with strength, grace, tolerance, and optimism that inspire all of us.”
Pep Guardiola, the manager of City, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family and fully supports players who need to take time off for personal reasons. He recently expressed gratitude for being able to contribute to their personal growth. On a related note, Phil Foden has returned to training after being sidelined due to an illness for more than two weeks.
