Kristoffer Olsson: Ex-Arsenal Star Ends Contract After Being Diagnosed With Rare Brain Condition
- Sweden international Kristoffer Olsson has mutually agreed to terminate his contract with FC Midtjylland
- The 29-year-old, who graduated from the Arsenal academy in 2013, has been recovering after collapsing and losing consciousness at his home on February 20
- Olsson has made 47 appearances for Sweden and has played for clubs including Anderlecht in Belgium, Krasnodar in Russia, and AIK in Sweden
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Former Arsenal midfielder Kristoffer Olsson has terminated his contract with Denmark giants Midtjylland FC after being diagnosed with a brain condition.
Olsson signed for Arsenal in 2011 but made his debut for the senior club in 2013 during the Gunners' pre-season tour of the Far East.
Source: Getty Images
What Happened to Olsson?
Olsson was hospitalised in February last year after collapsing at home, where doctors diagnosed him with blood clots on both sides of his brain due to a rare blood vessel inflammation.
Since then, he has been undergoing rehabilitation after losing consciousness.
Midtjylland confirms Olssons departure
Midtjylland has announced that Olsson will be returning to Norrköping in Sweden to be closer to his family as he continues his recovery.
The club praised his resilience, with deputy football director Kristian Bach Bak highlighting his courage.
"Norrköping will allow Kristoffer to be closer to his family while continuing his career," said Kristian. "His comeback is a true testament to human strength in the face of overwhelming adversity. Kristoffer has shown us all the real meaning of courage. From the very beginning, he has been not just an incredible player, but an even greater person," he noted as per Club Media.
"Before his illness, Kristoffer was a key player in our team, known for his vision, technical ability, and his knack for bringing the squad together. He was a driving force behind the club's success, and we are proud to have had him here at FC Midtjylland."
Olsson expressed deep gratitude after his departure from FC Midtjylland, reflecting on his time at the club.
The Ex Gunners star noted the warmth, care, and respect he received during both of his stints at the club.
Despite the unfairness of his illness, Olsson is thankful that it happened in an environment where he was supported by people who truly understood him, from the moment he fell ill.
"I feel nothing but gratitude when I look back at my time here," Olsson shared after his departure. "I've had two stints at the club, and both times I was met with warmth and respect. When I fell ill, it seemed so unfair, but I'm thankful it happened here, surrounded by people who truly supported me from the very beginning."
Olsson's football journey
After joining Arsenal's academy from Norrkoping in 2011, Olsson made his sole first-team appearance in 2013.
He went on loan to Midtjylland in 2014, later making the move permanent, and also had stints at AIK, Krasnodar, and Anderlecht.
In 2022, he returned to Midtjylland. Olsson has represented Sweden 47 times and played in the Euro 2020.
Source: Getty Images
Arsenal get injury boost before Real Madrid clash
TUKO.co.ke earlier reported that Arsenal's squad for the UEFA Champions League could be stronger following news of Bukayo Saka's return from injury.
Arsenal superstar Saka has given the Gunners an injury boost by returning to training ahead of their highly anticipated Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
