Erling Haaland spent £100,000 at auction before promptly giving his item away. The Manchester City star spent the large sum on a book before donating it to his hometown municipality of Time in Norway.
The striker purchased a unique edition of Snorre Sturlason’s Royal Sagas from 1594, making it the most expensive Norwegian book of all time at 1.3 million kroner. Haaland purchased the book in December despite acknowledging that he is not a huge reader.
“I have never been a big reader, but I want the book to always be open, so that you can read about those who came from my area, from Bryne and Jaeren,” Haaland told the reporters.
“I’ve been lucky enough to live out my dream through football, and I know not everyone gets that chance. Books give so many more people the chance to dream big, see new possibilities and find their own path.”
The book describes the history of medieval Norse royalty, including stories about Viking kings, queens, farmers, and soldiers. As per Haaland’s wishes, it will be permanently displayed at Time’s town library.
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Johan Fredrik Odfjell, a Norwegian businessman and bibliophile, auctioned the book, and Time Municipality recently announced that Haaland and his father Alfie purchased it.
The book is the only surviving copy of the two-volume 1594 manuscript and, according to the terms of the donation, must be permanently displayed and made available to the public at the Bryne Library.
“We are extremely grateful for this incredibly generous gift,” stated Andreas Vollsund, mayor of Time Municipality. “Erling and Alfie are giving us the opportunity to do one of the most important things we can do for our young peoplem and to give them give them the joy of reading.”
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