Erling Haaland, a forward for Manchester City, has honoured a family friend who passed away at the age of 59.

The Norwegian, who has been abroad on diplomatic assignment, shared the news of Ivar Eggja’s passing on social media on Wednesday night.

Known as “uncle” to the City striker and more than a best friend to his father, Alf-Inge, Eggja was viewed as the main fixer for the Haaland family.

Haaland posted the following on Instagram after his passing: “Ivar, you are a legend.” There are no words to express how much you meant to me! There are no words to express how much I shall miss you!

“I could care less!” I could care less! That’s precisely what I intend to accomplish. I am very grateful to you, you crazy person. We’ll cross paths once more. Ivar, rest in peace.

Erling Haaland’s close family friend Ivar Eggja has passed away aged just 59 years old 

Haaland rushed over to see Eggja before his passing after playing with Norway in the week

The striker paid a moving homage to a man he always called “Uncle” on Instagram.

Alf-Inge’s football career was greatly aided by Eggja, who was Haaland’s best man during his marriage to Gry Marita, the striker’s mother.

When Haaland signed for City in 2022, Eggja sought out an apartment for him and ensured it was fully furnished so the 24-year-old could focus on playing.

Haaland had the same treatment from the family friend at Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund, two of his previous teams.

The Norweigan once said: ‘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, a father of three, is survived by his sons Felix and Fabian as well as his daughter Ine, who confirmed the news on Facebook.

“Our lives’ super hero has been stolen from us,” Ine wrote. We said our final goodbyes to Dad at 3:30 p.m., and ever since then, it seems as though everything has stopped. He was everything to us, but he meant so much to so many others.

Because of his friendship with Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge (centre), Eggja has always been a part of his life.

Ever the enterprising person, Eggja opened two shoe stores in Byrne, the town where Haaland was raised, in 1980.

Later on in his job, he entered the hospitality sector and he and Alf-Inge opened a restaurant and bar. Nevertheless, it shut down in 2014.

Over the years, Eggja grew deeply invested in Haaland’s football career and was frequently spotted sitting close to the striker’s father at Premier League and Champions League games.

Eggja became close to Haaland’s counsellors as well, especially his agent Rafaela Pimenta, in addition to his family.

The striker’s career was greatly influenced by Eggja, who even assisted him in moving when he joined Man City in 2022.

“Ever since I met you, I thought your power was to brighten any room,” Pimenta commented on Instagram.

I had no idea that you were a superhero and that you would experience so much in such a short amount of time, in a manner that is the epitome of fortitude, dignity, tolerance, and hopefulness that friends and family could only imagine. Being a small part of your journey was an honour.

After Mino Raiola passed away in April 2022, Eggja becomes Team Haaland’s second loss. The cause of Eggja’s death is now unknown.