Christos Tzolis Celebrated as Guest of Honour at Club Brugge Derby
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Christos Tzolis, a summer acquisition by Arsenal, made a notable impression on both Gunners supporters and his former team, Club Brugge, during a recent derby match. After leaving Brugge in July, Tzolis returned as a guest of honor for the Bruges derby held over the weekend.
During the afternoon match against Cercle Brugge, Tzolis participated in a ceremonial kick-off, highlighting the fondness that the Brugge fans still hold for him.
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Upon entering the stadium, Tzolis was greeted by chants of “Tzolis! Tzolis! Tzolis!” as he acknowledged the home crowd. He successfully executed the ceremonial kick-off and happily exited the field, sharing smiles with former teammates en route.
With Arsenal having played their last match on Friday, Tzolis seized the opportunity to make a brief visit back to his former club.
However, Arsenal’s management will be keen to have Tzolis back in training soon, as he has played a significant role in the team’s success in their opening matches of the season.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Tzolis contributed significantly to Arsenal’s recent achievements, delivering two assists during their Community Shield match against Manchester City and playing an integral role in their Premier League victory over Coventry City. A deflection on his cross prevented him from receiving an official assist for Bukayo Saka’s goal against Coventry, though Tzolis humorously noted, “In the Fantasy [Premier League], it counts. I take the three points!”
Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly be looking for Tzolis to maintain his impactful performance in their upcoming match against Aston Villa.
Photo via Arsenal.com
Arsenal summer signing Christos Tzolis was the guest of honour for former side Club Brugge over the weekend, taking a ceremonial kick-off in their derby match.
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Arsenal summer addition Christos Tzolis has made a strong first impression on Gunners supporters with some positive early performances, but the winger is seemingly just as popular with his former team Club Brugge.
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Tzolis left Club Brugge for Arsenal in July, and it’s not unusual for fans to turn on their best players in the aftermath of transfer exits. But that’s certainly not the case here, as the 24-year-old was invited back as the guest of honour for the Bruges derby on Sunday.
Club Brugge hosted Cercle Brugge in the afternoon kick-off, and Tzolis was asked to take an honorary kick-off for the match.
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Tzolis emerged from the tunnel to chants of “Tzolis! Tzolis! Tzolis!”, with the player turning to applaud the home support. He then took the ceremonial kick-off before leaving the field with a huge smile on his face, greeting former teammates as he passed them.
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With Arsenal last in action on Friday and a long gap to the next game on Monday, August 31st, Tzolis was free to make the quick trip across the English Channel to visit his old side.
But the Gunners will want the winger back in training this week, given he’s been such an important part of the team’s first two wins of the new season.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Tzolis provided two assists in Arsenal’s Community Shield win over Manchester City, before playing an important role in the team’s subsequent Premier League win over Coventry City.
It was only a deflection on his cross that denied Tzolis an official assist for Bukayo Saka’s goal against Coventry, though as the player pointed out afterwards: “In the Fantasy [Premier League], it counts. I take the three points!”
Mikel Arteta will be hoping the Greek international is similarly influential in next week’s trip away to Aston Villa.
Photo via Arsenal.com
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