Erling Haaland to be given compassionate leave green light by Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City will be willing to give Erling Haaland the green light over compassionate leave, if requested by the striker in the coming days.

The 24-year-old, alongside messages issued by his father and his leading representative figure, has been mourning the loss of a close friend and crucial component of his camp over the last few days.

Writing in an emotional post on her social media page on Wednesday evening, Rafaela Pimenta paid tribute to Ivar Eggja as she said, “Ever since I met you I thought your power was to cheer up every room.”

Pimenta continued, “Little did I know it was actually a super power, and you would go through so much, so soon and so quick, in a way that is the biggest example of strength, dignity, tolerance and optimism family and friends could ever dream of.

“It was an honour to be a small part of your journey. Our secret code has always been the “❤️” and many did we exchange. But I hope you forgive me when now I change it for “❤️‍🩹”. You will be very much missed, although I know you won’t leave us – you’re just too stubborn for that.

“We’ll keep hearing from you in wine toasts, laughs at the most inappropriate jokes and cheering games. See you one day my dear friend.”

Erling Haaland followed up with his own message for a close friend, and now it has been detailed that Manchester City will be open to granting the player time away from the club if necessary in light of the loss.

Eggja was present for Erling Haaland’s blockbuster unveiling at the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2022, and went on to stand by the Norway international for the majority of his short career.

The Haaland family friend was also in attendance alongside the Manchester City striker when the entire camp were present for last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Now, as per the information of MailSport’s Jack Gaughan, Erling Haaland will be allowed to take compassionate leave if the City striker requires time away the club following the death of close friend, Ivar Eggja.

Eggja became a confidant of Erling Haaland, and MailSport details that the pair were so close that Erling Haaland would affectionately call him ‘uncle’, with the 59-year-old performing a ‘crucial role’ within the player’s camp.

In light of the tragic loss within the player’s close circle, Erling Haaland is said to have trained with Pep Guardiola’s squad on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Brentford.

Haaland has already paid tribute to Ivar Eggja on his official Instagram channel, as he said, “You are a legend, Ivar. 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.”

Elsewhere and both Savinho and Phil Foden have returned to Manchester City training following their respective problems that have led to sanctioned absences from the club’s matchday squads.

The Brazilian missed the visit and victory over West Ham United via a knee injury, while Foden has not appeared for Manchester City since the opening day of the Premier League season, and withdrew from international duty with England through illness.