Former Arsenal youngster Kristoffer Olsson has left Danish club Midtjylland as he hopes to resume his career after battling back to fitness after a rare brain condition
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Kristoffer Olsson
Kristoffer Olsson is set to resume his career at his boyhood club(Image: Michael Campanella/Getty Images)
Former Arsenal midfielder Kristoffer Olsson has terminated his contract with Midtjylland after suffering from a brain condition. Olsson was rushed to hospital after collapsing at his home in February last year where doctors found he had blood clots on both sides of his brain due to a rare blood-vessel inflammation.
The 29-year-old initially needed a respirator to help him breath and spent the past year working through physical and mental challenges. Olsson is now hoping to return to football and has reached an agreement with Midtjylland to return to his boyhood club IFK Norrkoping.
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His deal with Midtjylland has been terminated and Olsson's move to Norrkoping will allow him to be closer to his family while resuming his career. "His comeback story is truly inspiring," Mitdjylland's vice-director of football Kristian Bach Bak told club media.
"It’s not just about football – it's about human strength in the face of overwhelming adversity. Kristoffer has shown us all what true courage looks like. From day one, Kristoffer has been an outstanding player and an even greater person.
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"Before his illness, he played a crucial role in our squad – with his vision, technical level, and ability to bring people together. He helped lift this club, and we've been incredibly proud to have him at FC Midtjylland."
Director of football Peter Sand added: "That speech before one of our biggest matches is something we will never forget. It was powerful, emotional, and unifying. He hadn't played for months, yet he found the energy to lift the team and give something of himself. That says everything about the kind of person he is – someone who, even in his darkest moments, found a way to inspire others."
Olsson joined Arsenal's academy from Norrkoping as a highly-rated teenage prospect in 2011 and made one appearance for the first-team, coming off the bench to score in a penalty shootout as the Gunners beat West Brom in League Cup clash in 2013.
He spent time on loan at Midtjylland in 2014 before making the move permanent and he went on to play for AIK, Krasnodar and Anderlecht before returning to Midtjylland in 2022. Olsson has also earned 47 caps for the Sweden national team and featured at Euro 2020.
Kristoffer Olsson
Olsson was diagnosed with a rare brain condition last year(Image: PA)
"When I look back at my time here, what I feel most is gratitude," Olsson said after his departure was announced. "I've had two spells at the club, and each time I've been met with warmth, care, and respect.
"When I fell ill, it felt incredibly unfair – but I'm thankful it happened here, where people truly knew me and supported me. The club, the people, the entire environment – they were there for me from the very first moment.
"That’s something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. FC Midtjylland is more than a football club – it's a place that takes care of its people. My biggest dream is still to be a footballer. To train fully, to feel like I'm contributing again.
"I'm progressing every week, and I've never been more hungry or motivated. Getting the chance to continue that journey back home in Norrkoping, close to my family and friends, means everything to me. It just feels right."
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