Sweden midfielder set to play again after blood clots on brain

Swedish midfielder Kristoffer Olsson has expressed his determination to return to football after experiencing blood clots on the brain, which temporarily left him without motor or verbal skills.

The 28-year-old, who plays for Danish club FC Midtjylland, collapsed at home in February and was placed on a ventilator in the hospital.

He was later transferred to a specialist neurology center and is currently continuing his recovery in rehabilitation.

Speaking to Swedish daily Aftonbladet, external, he said: “I feel great. I’m going to be able to play football again.

“I can move well, I can run and my memory is good. I’m getting better every day.

“I’ve had tubes and things on me the whole time but now I just have this little thing that helps me pee – that’s all that’s left.”

In April, the club said he was “making significant progress” and had “regained motor function and his verbal abilities”.

Tests showed he had suffered a number of blood clots because of a rare inflammation of the blood vessels in his brain.

Referring to the first few weeks after his collapse, he said: “I was basically dying. I was not contactable and I have no memories from that time.”

He added: “I’ve got through the worst part. I’ve had to think, be positive and have patience with everything.”

The Swede came through Arsenal’s academy and made one appearance for the Gunners before joining Midtjylland after a successful loan spell in 2015.

He watched on from the stands when Midtjylland won the Danish championship on 26 May.