Former Norwich City defender and respected football figure Åge Hareide has bravely announced his battle with brain cancer, a revelation that has resonated deeply within the football community. The 72-year-old shared this challenging news in an interview with the Norwegian outlet VG, highlighting the emotional toll it has taken on his family and friends.
Hareide, who has enjoyed a distinguished managerial career with national teams from Norway, Denmark, and Iceland, described the onset of his condition as marked by a significant decline in his speech and motor skills during a recent holiday. His son, Bendik, who previously served as sporting director at Burton Albion, provided further insight into the family's concerns. "There was a change in his speech. There was something wrong, the rest of us agreed on that. And my mother could tell that there was something wrong with the right side of Dad's face, something she had noticed," Bendik stated, reflecting the family's worry as they navigated this unexpected situation. Read more about Zimmermann Retires: Norwich City Legend Calls Time on Career.
Despite the adversity, the Hareide family remains hopeful. Bendik expressed cautious optimism, saying, "We have talked about it, and we can hope for the World Cup in the summer, but it depends on ... Now we are concentrating primarily on having a nice Christmas. We can't say more now." This sentiment underscores their desire to maintain a positive outlook during this challenging time. Read more about Clement Stands by Duffy Despite Heavy Defeat.
Before receiving his diagnosis, Hareide had been contemplating a return to coaching, with aspirations for a role in Oman following his most recent tenure with the Icelandic national team. His managerial career has been marked by success at clubs such as Molde, Brøndby, and Rosenborg, alongside his international achievements.
Hareide's connection to Norwich City began in 1982 when he joined the club on loan from Manchester City. He quickly established himself as a key player, making 54 appearances and playing a significant role in the team's promotion efforts. Reflecting on his time at Carrow Road, Hareide once remarked that it was "one of the happiest spells in his career," and he has been linked to managerial positions following the departures of both Nigel Worthington and Peter Grant.
Messages of support for Hareide have poured in from across the footballing landscape, with Norway’s current manager Ståle Solbakken among those expressing admiration. Prior to the public announcement of Hareide's condition, Solbakken remarked, "It is a kind of fateful battle (for Norway). I send my regards to Åge Hareide who is fighting his battle. He is one of the greatest players. The second (Norwegian) of all time in English football. Great coaching career. Victory in Denmark, Sweden, Norway. Has one of the few Norwegians with World Cup experience as a coach."
As Åge Hareide faces this difficult journey, his enduring legacy within the sport remains evident. The immense support from fans and colleagues serves as a testament to the profound impact he has made on football throughout his career. Read more about Clement Faces Tough Start as Canaries Stumble in Championship.