Swedish soccer star Olsson exits club due to brain issue

HERNING, Denmark — Swedish midfielder Kristoffer Olsson has come to a mutual agreement with FC Midtjylland to end his contract, just over a year following a diagnosis of an acute brain condition.

At 29, Olsson has been in recovery since he lost consciousness at his home on February 20 last year. Medical examinations revealed he was suffering from several small blood clots in the brain due to an extraordinarily rare inflammation of the blood vessels.

FC Midtjylland has announced that Olsson is making his way back to Norrköping in Sweden. This move allows him to be near his family and also to pursue his dream of resuming his career as a footballer.

“This situation transcends sports; it’s a testament to human resilience when faced with severe challenges,” commented Midtjylland’s deputy football director Kristian Bach Bak. “Kristoffer has exemplified true courage in the face of adversity.”

In an official club announcement, Olsson expressed his heartfelt appreciation for Midtjylland, where he had returned in 2022 for a second stint. “From the very beginning, the club and its people stood by me,” said Olsson. “FC Midtjylland is more than just a club; it’s a community that truly cares.”

Olsson is set to train with IFK Norrköping, marking a return to the club where his football career initially soared.

“My primary goal remains to play football. I wish to fully engage in training and contribute significantly to a team,” remarked Olsson. “Every passing week brings improvement, and I feel more driven and eager than ever. Being able to pursue this in Norrköping, surrounded by family and friends, is immensely meaningful.”

Olsson has been capped 47 times for Sweden on the international stage.

Throughout his career, he has also played for clubs such as Anderlecht in Belgium, Krasnodar in Russia, AIK in Sweden, and he honed his skills in the youth academies of the English side Arsenal.