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Arsenal FC v Coventry City - Premier League 2026/27Getty Images Sport
Muhammad Zaki

VIDEO: Why new Arsenal star Christos Tzolis has already returned to his former club to receive a hero's welcome

C. Tzolis
Arsenal
Club Brugge
Premier League
Club Brugge vs Cercle Brugge
Cercle Brugge
First Division A

Christos Tzolis has made a blistering start to life at Arsenal, but the Greek winger took time out of his weekend to return to familiar surroundings. The 24-year-old was paraded on the pitch at Club Brugge ahead of their derby victory over Cercle Brugge, soaking in the adulation from his former supporters.

  • A hero's welcome in Belgium

    Just weeks after completing a £34 million transfer to the Emirates Stadium, Tzolis was back in Belgium on Sunday. The Greece international attended Club Brugge's 1-0 derby victory against Cercle Brugge as a special guest.

    Despite leaving the club during the summer window, the 24-year-old was paraded on the pitch ahead of kick-off. He was handed a rapturous reception by the home crowd and even performed a ceremonial fake kick-off to mark the occasion.

    The fond farewell in Brugge reflects a highly successful two-year spell in Belgium. Tzolis established himself as a fan favourite, netting 43 goals in 108 appearances across all competitions before securing his lucrative switch to England.


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  • Glowing praise from Arteta and Odegaard

    Tzolis has quickly endeared himself to his new manager with his blistering early-season form. He registered two assists during the 3-0 Community Shield triumph over Manchester City, before setting up another goal in Friday's 3-0 league victory against Coventry.

    "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," Mikel Arteta stated. "I think he’s earned it. 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."

    Arteta also highlighted the winger's creative threat in the final third. The Arsenal boss added: "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."

    Club captain Martin Odegaard echoed those sentiments after Friday's Premier League victory. Speaking to the BBC, the Norwegian midfielder said: "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."


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    A trip to Villa Park

    Having firmly established himself as a potent attacking outlet in Arteta's system, Tzolis will be determined to make the left-wing position his own. The 24-year-old will now look to carry his impressive momentum into Arsenal's next Premier League test, with the Gunners travelling to face Aston Villa on Monday.