‘It’s my time’ – £34m Arsenal signing sends Premier League message
Christos Tzolis believes he is finally ready to show what he can do in the Premier League after completing his £34million move to Arsenal.
The Greece international says he is “100%” a different player from the teenager who struggled at Norwich City.
Tzolis returned to England this summer following two outstanding seasons with Club Brugge, where he rebuilt his reputation after difficult spells at Norwich and Twente.
The 24-year-old has already made an encouraging start at Arsenal. ReadArsenal previously covered how Tzolis impressed on his unofficial debut against MK Dons, providing an assist during the 3-0 victory.
Speaking to The Guardian, Tzolis explained why he believes he is now ready to succeed in the Premier League.
“I’m not the same player I was in Norwich, 100%,” he said. “Now it’s my time to show that I’m ready and capable of playing in the Premier League.”
Tzolis has already caught the eye behind the scenes. Arsenal’s fitness coaches have nicknamed him “Leonidas” after the Spartan king, with the winger topping one of the squad’s demanding pre-season running tests.
His numbers in Belgium also show how much his game has developed.
Tzolis scored 33 goals across two seasons for Club Brugge. Last season alone, he produced 17 goals and 23 assists as they won the Belgian title.
The winger has also revealed that he held two conversations with Mikel Arteta before choosing Arsenal. Arteta encouraged him to continue playing with the same freedom that made him so effective in Belgium.
Tzolis has already shown signs of that ability in pre-season. He scored during Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over Girona on Saturday, cutting inside from the left before curling his finish into the far corner.
After a difficult first experience of English football, Tzolis now has another opportunity to establish himself in the Premier League.
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