Erling Haaland will be allowed to take compassionate leave by Pep Guardiola after death of close friend, with Man City striker to make final decision on his availability for this weekend’s clash with Brentford
- Erling Haaland returned to training with Manchester City on Thursday
- But the City superstar will be given time off if he feels the need to
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Erling Haaland could take compassionate leave if the Manchester City striker needs time off following the death of his good friend Ivar Eggja.
Eggja was best man at Alfie Haaland’s wedding and after decades of friendship, he became a confidant of the Premier League Golden Boot winner.
The two were so close that Haaland affectionately referred to him as ‘uncle’, with the 59-year-old playing a pivotal role within the players’ camp.
Haaland trained with Pep Guardiola’s squad on Thursday in preparation for Saturday’s clash with Brentford. However, the City manager insists family comes first and won’t stop players from taking a step back for personal reasons.
Eggja was present at Haaland’s unveiling at the Etihad Stadium in 2022 and has remained by the Norway international’s side for much of his short career. They attended last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony together.
Erling Haaland may take compassionate leave if Manchester City striker needs time off after death of 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 awards ceremony together last year
Haaland was keen to acknowledge the impact Eggja had on him by helping with the logistics of elite sport and finding him a city centre apartment when he left Borussia Dortmund, just as he did when he joined the Bundesliga giants.
“You are a legend, Ivar,” Haaland said. “Words can’t describe how much you meant to me! Words can’t describe how much you will be missed!
“Thanks for everything, crazy. We’ll see each other again. Rest in peace, Ivar.”
Haaland has already scored seven goals in three league games this season, with back-to-back hat-tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham United.
The 24-year-old’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, paid tribute to Eggja and emphasised his importance to their business.
“Ever since I met you, I thought you had the power to light up any room,” she said. “I didn’t know it was a superpower, and that you would come through so much, so quickly, so fast, in a way that exemplifies the strength, dignity, tolerance and optimism that family and friends can only dream of.”
City manager Pep Guardiola has stressed that family comes first and that this will not stop players taking a step back for personal reasons
“It was an honor to be a small part of your journey.”
Meanwhile, Phil Foden is back in training after being out of action for more than two weeks due to illness.