- Erling Haaland returned to training with Manchester City on Thursday
- But the City superstar will be permitted time away if he feels the need to
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off!, available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday
Erling Haaland can take compassionate leave if the Manchester City striker requires time away after the death of close friend Ivar Eggja.
Best man at Alfie Haaland’s wedding in a friendship spanning decades, Eggja became a confidant of the Premier League golden boot winner.
The pair were so close that Haaland affectionately called him ‘uncle’, with the 59-year-old performing a crucial role within the player’s camp.
Haaland trained with Pep Guardiola’s squad on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s clash with Brentford but the City boss stresses that family comes first and doesn’t stop players taking a step away for personal reasons.
Eggja was present for Haaland’s unveiling at the Etihad Stadium in 2022 and remained by the Norway international’s side for the majority of his short career. They attended last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony together.
Erling Haaland can take compassionate leave if the Manchester City striker requires time away after the death of a close friend
Haaland’s close family friend Ivar Eggja – who he called ‘uncle – has passed away aged 59
The Man City striker and Eggja attended last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony together
Haaland has been keen to recognise the impact Eggja had on him in helping with the logistics of elite sport and finding a city-centre apartment when moving from Borussia Dortmund – as he had when joining the Bundesliga giants.
‘You are a legend, Ivar,’ Haaland said. ‘Words cannot describe how much you meant to me! Words cannot describe how much you will be missed!
‘Thank you for everything, you madman. We will see each other again. Rest in peace, Ivar.’
Haaland already has seven goals in three league games so far this season, with consecutive hat-tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham United.
The 24-year-old’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, paid tribute to Eggja – underlying his importance to their operation.
‘Ever since I met you, I thought your power was to brighten up any room,’ she said. ‘’I didn’t know it was a superpower, and that you would go through so much, so soon, so fast, in a way that is the best example of strength, dignity, tolerance and optimism that family and friends can only dream of.
City boss Pep Guardiola has stressed that family comes first and doesn’t stop players taking a step away for personal reasons
‘It was an honor to be a small part of your journey.’
Meanwhile, Phil Foden is back in training after an illness kept him out for over a fortnight.
