Age Hareide, a Norwegian defender and manager, died at 72 and his family announced his death to the local media on Thursday. Footballing the world laments the demise of a man whose influence was felt more than thirty years in the Scandinavian and the international football.
The son of Hareide said that his father died at home peacefully amid people he loved. Dad slept all night, – at home with his family about him. He now has surrendered his final game. Do you know we are forever thankful to have all the love we have had in his illness, he said.
In July, Hareide was diagnosed with brain cancer and the condition was revealed in November. He was a respected person in football, not only with his playing career, but also with his managerial career despite being ill.
Hareide played as a representative of Molde, Manchester City, and Norwich City where he made 50 caps to Norway between 1976 and 1986. His ability to defend and lead on the field gave him a good managerial career.
Hareide also had experience in managing a number of clubs in Norway and Sweden such as Rosenborg, Molde, Viking, Helsingborg, Malmo FF, Orgryte. He was also a winner of trophies in Norway, Denmark and Sweden and made an indelible mark in the Scandinavian football.
At the international level, he managed Norway in the period 2003-2008, Denmark in the period 2016-2020 and ended his management career with Iceland, after which he retired in November last year. It is worth noting that he steered Denmark to the quarter-finals of the 2018 world cup, which affirms his skills as a respected coach with a great tactical mind.
The death of Hareide is a big blow to the football fraternity and it has been tested with the fans, players and clubs in Europe expressing thoughts of condolence. His legacy as a player, coach, and mentor will remain an inspiration to the future generations.
