From Norwich struggles to Arsenal ambition: Tzolis says he’s ready to shine in England
Christos Tzolis has said he was convinced he was ready to succeed in England after returning to the Premier League this summer.
Tzolis signed for Arsenal from Club Brugge in the summer transfer window for a fee in the region of £34m.
The Greek international arrived in North London after an outstanding campaign in Brugge, where he scored 22 goals and added 29 assists. Only Bayern Munich duo Harry Kane and Michael Olise were directly involved in more goals across Europe.
Tzolis returned to the Premier League after a previous spell at Norwich City, in which the winger struggled to make an impact. The 24-year-old made only three league starts, before rebuilding his career in Europe after leaving Carrow Road.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Tzolis said he felt the summer was the right time to return to English football and is confident that he is now mature enough to thrive.
Tzolis opens up on his Norwich struggles and Arsenal fresh start: “I didn’t have a lot of opportunities”
"It was a different environment back then. I was 19 in Norwich, with a different football style, more defensive," he said.
"It was hard to show what I can do as a player.
"I didn’t have a lot of opportunities. I think I only played 40 minutes all season, so you can't show anything.
"I was feeling that I could do it [succeed in England]. I took my time. When I was ready, I think it was the right time to come to the Premier League, and now playing for the best team in the Premier League, it's the best way possible to be back.
"I really like it. I have such a good time. I was here from the beginning of pre-season. It was good for me to get to know everybody and the culture of the club."
