‘Shown us what courage means’ – Ex-Arsenal star, 29, rips up contract after being diagnosed with rare brain condition

FORMER Arsenal star Kristoffer Olsson has agreed to terminate his Midtjylland contract after being diagnosed with a rare brain condition.

The 29-year-old has not played football since suffering blood clots to his brain in February last year, which required intensive care in hospital.

APKristoffer Olsson has mutually terminated his contract with Midtjylland[/caption]

APThe midfielder got an emotional sendoff during Midtjylland’s home game against Brondby on Sunday[/caption]

He was rushed to hospital after losing consciousness at his home and eventually diagnosed with an inflammation of the cerebral blood vessels.

Olsson has spent the last year building his fitness levels back up and is now looking to make a full return to the pitch.

But in order to do so, the midfielder has decided to leave Midtjylland and return to Norrkoping, his home town, to be closer to his family.

He will join his local club, IFK Norrkoping, in a bid to get regular first team football.

On Olsson’s departure, Midtjylland’s deputy football director, Kristian Bach Bak, said: “Kristoffer has been a fantastic footballer from day one and an equally great person off the pitch.

“Before the illness, he was an important part of our team – with his eye for the game, his technical quality and his way of bringing people together.

“He has helped lift us as a club, and we have been proud to have him at FC Midtjylland.”

Meanwhile, football director Peter Sand added: “We will never forget the speech he gave before one of the crucial matches.

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“It was a powerful and unifying moment that is still clear to both players and staff.

“He had not been on the pitch for months, but he found the strength to contribute to the team and give something of himself. It says everything about him as a person.”

Olsson got an emotional sendoff during Midtjylland’s home game against Brondby on Sunday.

The midfielder said: “When I look back on my time at Midtjylland, I first and foremost feel great gratitude.

“I have been here several times, and every time I have been met with warmth, care and respect.

“When I was struck by the disease, it felt unfair – but I am happy that I was right here, where people knew me and understood who I was.

“The club, the people, everyone around me – they were there from the first second. I will be grateful for that for the rest of my life.

“FC Midtjylland is not just a football club, it is a place that takes care of people.

“First and foremost, I still dream of being a footballer. To be able to train fully and feel that I am contributing to a team.

“Every week I feel progress, and I am more hungry and motivated than ever. Having the opportunity to do it at home in Norrkoping, close to my family and friends, means a lot. The feeling is just right.”