Christos Tzolis, Arsenal's new £34 million signing, made a surprise return to his former club Club Brugge on Sunday, just weeks after his summer move to the Premier League champions. The 24-year-old Greece international was a guest at the Jan Breydel Stadium for the Bruges derby against Cercle Brugge, which the home side won 1-0.
Tzolis was paraded on the pitch before kick-off and received a rousing reception from the home supporters, who clearly hold no grudge over his departure. The winger even took part in a ceremonial fake kick-off before the match, a gesture that delighted the crowd and underscored his enduring popularity in Belgium.
Impressive start at Arsenal
Tzolis has made an immediate impact at Arsenal since arriving from Club Brugge this summer. He provided two assists in the 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City and added another on his Premier League debut as Arsenal beat Coventry 3-0 on Friday. His performances have already led to suggestions that he could make the left wing position his own at the Emirates Stadium.
His time in Belgium was highly productive, with 43 goals in 108 appearances across all competitions over two successful seasons. That form convinced Arsenal to invest £34 million in the former Norwich City player, who has quickly become a key figure in Mikel Arteta's plans.
Arteta and Odegaard praise Tzolis
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been effusive in his praise for the Greek international. 'I love that a player that has been with us just for a few weeks gets this kind of energy every time he's on the ball. I think he's earned it,' Arteta said. 'The way he has performed in the last few games has been phenomenal. What he transmits as a player is so direct, so incisive, constantly. He wants to make things happen and he has an incredible variety of actions in the last 30 metres. It's up to him to make the right decisions. Even the spaces are sometimes really, really small. I'm very happy with him.'
Gunners captain Martin Odegaard also lauded Tzolis after the win over Coventry, telling the BBC: 'Amazing – he played a brilliant game. He has been brilliant all pre-season. He's so lively. It's hard to defend [against] him. He's a really intelligent player. He always looks up and finds the right pass.'
Unique path to the Emirates
Tzolis's journey to Arsenal has been unconventional. He began his career at PAOK in Greece before a forgettable spell at Norwich City, where he played 30 times after signing in August 2021 during their Premier League season but made little impact. A loan spell at Fortuna Dusseldorf proved more successful, with the German side exercising an option to sign him permanently before quickly selling him to Club Brugge for €6 million (£5.14 million).
His return to Club Brugge on Sunday, where he was given a hero's welcome, demonstrates the strong bond he forged with the club and its supporters. The warm reception suggests his legacy in Belgium remains intact, even as he embarks on a new chapter in north London.
