Ex-Arsenal star, 29, terminates contract after being identified with uncommon mind situation
Kristoffer Olsson was rushed to hospital in February 2022 after collapsing at his home and doctors found he had blood clots on both sides of his brain due to a rare blood-vessel inflammation
Ex-Arsenal ace Kristoffer Olsson has cut ties with Midtjylland after a being diagnosed with a rare brain condition
The midfielder, 29, has not played football since he was rushed to hospital after losing consciousness at his home last February, where doctors discovered he had blood clots on both sides of his brain.
Olsson was admitted into intensive care, and he has spent the last year building his fitness levels back up and is now looking to make a full return to the pitch.
However, to do so, he has left his current side Midtjylland to head back to his first club, IFK Norrkoping. “His comeback story is truly inspiring,” Midtjylland’s vice-director of football Kristian Bach Bak told the press.
“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.
“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,” reports the Mirror.
Peter Sand, the director of football, was full of praise as he reminisced: “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, who joined the Arsenal youth ranks from Norrkoping back in 2011, only made a single first-team appearance. He left his mark by netting a goal in a penalty shootout that saw the Gunners triumph over West Brom in a League Cup battle in 2013.
After a loan stint at Midtjylland in 2014, Olsson made the switch permanent, later turning out for AIK, Krasnodar, and Anderlecht, before making his way back to Midtjylland in 2022. The Swede has also racked up 47 caps for his country and took to the field in Euro 2020.
Reflecting on his journey, Olsson shared upon his exit announcement: “When I look back at my time here, what I feel most is gratitude,” he declared. “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.”
