Erling Haaland pays emotional tribute after tragic death of ‘chief fixer uncle’ – with Man City striker vowing to keep honouring ‘don’t give a sh*t’ mentality that has helped to make him a superstar

It was announced on Wednesday evening that Ivar Eggja, a close friend of the Haaland family, had passed away at the age of 59. He was best man at Alf-Inge Haaland’s wedding and was fondly referred to as “uncle” by Erling.

Eggja was considered to be a “chief fixer” for the Haalands, having also grown close to his team of representatives – which is now headed up by Rafaela Pimenta. She has said: “Ever since I met you, I thought your power was to brighten up any room. 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. It was an honor to be a small part of your journey.”

Haaland has said in a social media post of his own: “You are a legend, Ivar. Words cannot describe how much you meant to me! Words cannot describe how much you will be missed! I don't give a sh*t! I don't give a sh*t! That's exactly what I'm going to do. Thank you for everything, you madman. We will see each other again. Rest in peace, Ivar.”

Eggja sourced an apartment for Haaland following his transfer to Manchester City in 2022, making sure that it was fully furnished, having done likewise in the wake of the prolific frontman’s moves to Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund. Haaland said after making an immediate impact in German football: “I think if I had been all alone and had to choose my own apartment and go shopping in IKEA, I wouldn't have scored three goals against Augsburg on my Dortmund debut.”

Eggja was heavily involved in Haaland’s career from the very beginning and could often be seen sitting with Alf-Inge at Premier League and Champions League matches. No cause of death has been revealed, but Haaland has shared an image of him holding hands with his “uncle” in a hospital bed.