A significant gesture by a superstar shakes up Norway

News is rife in Norway about the commendable act of Erling Haaland, one of the world's leading footballers. He has decided to offer financial support to hundreds of fans of his home club, Bryne FK. The team, currently playing in the second tier of the Norwegian league, is set to vie for promotion to the elite tier this Saturday.

This Saturday, Bryne FK – Haaland's first football club – is set for an away fixture against Start IK in Kristiansand. This match will determine which team plays in the progression playoffs for the Eliteserien, the premier football league in Norway.

Any Bryne fans wishing to cheer on their team can make their way to Kristiansand, possibly by train. Individuals opting for this journey should be prepared to fork out 700 kroner (approximately 60 euro). However, a significant number of these supporters will be spared this expense.

Norwegian media are singing praises for Haaland's kind gesture towards his former club. The Manchester City frontman has given Bryne FK management a blank cheque to offset the travel costs for fans wanting to attend the game in Kristiansand. Bryne's Marketing director, Bjorn Hagerud Roeken, stated that up to 500 people can avail of the free transport.

"Given the present inflation and the dramatic surge in costs for all goods and services in Norway, Erling's contribution is invaluable. Thanks to him, we can have as many fans as we like in the Kristiansand stadium" – the Norwegian footballer's generous act was discussed during an interview with journalists from TV2.

However, Haaland's generosity doesn’t stop here. If Bryne FK triumphs in Saturday's match, the next playoff phase will pit them against Kristiansund BK. Given the northern club's 454-mile distance from Bryne and the doubled cost of the train tickets compared to Kristiansand, Haaland has pledged to cover these travel costs for hundreds of fans, should his former club progress.

Haaland’s connection with Bryne FK started in his childhood. He was a part of their youth groups, played in the first team during the 2016/2017 season, and then transitioned to the first-league Molde. His career path later took him to Red Bull Salzburg before turning the corner to Borussia Dortmund. By the 2022/2023 season, he was playing for Manchester City.