Former Arsenal youth star Kristoffer Olsson has terminated his contract with Danish side FC Midtjylland following a rare brain condition diagnosis.
In February last year, [the Swedish midfielder was rushed to hospital after collapsing at home](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/former-arsenal-midfielder-kristoffer-olsson-28711723). Olsson was put on a ventilator after doctors had found blood clots on both sides of his brain due to a rare blood-vessel inflammation.
The 29-year-old has been focusing on overcoming mental and physical challenges in the past year. Now, Olsson is ready to return to football with his boyhood club, IFK Norrköping, which he joined at the age of 10 and subsequently left to join Arsenal.
The move allows the Swede to be closer to his family as he looks to push forward with his career following a tough year for Olsson. After bringing his time at Midtjylland to an end, the club's vice-director of football, Kristian Bach Bak, has nothing but admiration for the departing midfielder.
They told club media: "His comeback story is truly inspiring. 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.
Ollson was part of Sweden's under-21s squad who were crowned European Champions in 2015 (Image: VI-Images via Getty Images)
"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."
The team's 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."
Ollson made the move from Sweden to north London in 2011 for £200k. The midfielder had garnered interest from many other European sides, such as Juventus and Ajax. He made one appearance for the first team under Arsene Wenger when he came off the bench in a League Cup match against West Brom and scored in the penalty shootout.
He left the Gunners in 2014 after a loan period at Midtjylland was made permanent. From then on, the 29-year-old went on to play for Swedish side AIK, Russian outfit FC Krasnodar and Belgian giants Anderlecht. He also featured for Sweden in the 2020 Euros. His trophy cabinet is filled with two Danish Superliga's and one Allsvenkan's, Sweden's 'Premier League.'
Olsson spoke on his departure from Midtjylland when he stated: "When I look back at my time here, what I feel most is gratitude. 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."