In a heartfelt statement to NTB, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed his sorrow upon learning of Åge Hareide’s untimely passing.
“It is a deep loss for us all,” Støre remarked. “Football Norway will certainly miss his passionate presence on the sidelines, as well as the warmth and generosity he brought to those around him.”
Hareide was not only a beloved figure in Norwegian football but also a towering presence in Scandinavian coaching. Støre reflected on Hareide’s remarkable journey, noting, “He was one of the first Norwegian players to make a name for himself in the English top flight, gracing the fields of Norwich and Manchester City.”
His achievements as a coach were equally impressive. “Hareide’s championships in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark speak volumes about his prowess,” Støre continued. “His tenure as national team manager for Norway, Denmark, and Iceland marks him as a significant figure in our football history.”
The Prime Minister concluded by extending his condolences to Hareide’s family and loved ones: “We have lost not just a great footballer and coach but a genuinely warm individual. My thoughts are with those who mourn his passing.”