Erling Haaland expresses his grief over the demise of one of his dear friends
Erling Haaland is grieving over the demise of his cherished buddy, Ivar Eggja, who departed at the age of 59. Eggja played a pivotal role in the Haaland team, serving as its main organizer while Alf-Inge Haaland functioned as his advisor. Eggja handled all the requirements that the striker needed, enabling Haaland to solely concentrate on football.
On Instagram, Haaland paid his last respects with a post embellished with eight pictures. "What an outstanding figure you were, Ivar! No words can encapsulate the profound impact you had on me!" he penned down.
Eggja served as the best man at Alf-Inge's wedding to Haaland's mother Gry Marita and was their constant companion. During matches, he preferred sitting beside Alf-Inge in the stands. He was a pillar of support for Haaland throughout his career, tackling numerous tasks and thereby earning the nickname "Mr. Fix-it." He managed the striker's bank accounts, arranged insurance, and even found accommodations in new locales. In Haaland's words, "Had I been on my own and had to choose and set up my own apartment, I wouldn't have scored three goals in my Dortmund debut against Augsburg," indicating the paramount importance of Eggja's interventions in "The Athletic."
Thanks to Eggja's advanced preparations, Haaland managed to move into a fully furnished apartment in Manchester as well. Following Haaland's signing by Manchester City, a picture was shared, featuring Eggja sandwiched between Haaland and his father, underscoring his significance within the family. Affectionately, Haaland addressed Eggja as his "uncle."
Haaland mourned his grandmother in the beginning of the year
Like the Haaland family, Eggja hailed from Bryne. He established two shoe stores during the 1980s and later opened a bar and restaurant together with Alf-Inge Haaland. His ventures extended to the nightlife of Marbella as well. He spent nearly 15 years in Canada, where he served as the president of a construction and trading company. Since 2018, he has run a consulting firm.
Rafaela Pimenta, Haaland's new manager since Mino Raiola's demise in 2022, also remembered Eggja as a "family" friend, honoring him with an Instagram post. "We'll miss you dearly, though I am certain you won't depart - you're far too tenacious for that. We'll continue to hear from you while we clink glasses, share inappropriate jokes, and cheer at games. We will meet again someday, my love," she expressed.
In the early part of the year, Haaland mourned the passing of his grandmother at the age of 80. Now, he must grapple with another loss. "Thank you for your craziness!" he concluded his post.
Manchester City announced the signing of Erling Haaland earlier this year, and Eggja was present to celebrate the moment with Haaland and his father.
Despite his recent loss, Haaland continues to find success with Manchester City, scoring multiple goals for the team, a testament to Eggja's ongoing influence and support in his life.
