Christos Tzolis needed no convincing to join Fortuna Dusseldorf, and revealed the German’s pursuit of the Norwich City flyer was weeks in the making.
Tzolis officially completed a season long loan at the weekend, with a purchase option included for the Bundesliga 2 club.
The 21-year-old could make his debut in the German Cup this weekend, after falling out of favour under David Wagner at Carrow Road.
Tzolis was bypassed by the likes of Jon Rowe and Tony Springett this summer, with Wagner also adding Borja Sainz and Christian Fassnacht to his wide mix.
The Greek international was omitted from the squad for the final pre-season friendly against Olympiacos ahead of a German switch.
“Yes the talks happened so fast. I am happy to be here, excited and looking forward to playing with my team mates and coach,” he said. “I am ready. The talks were pretty easy. I spoke to them a few weeks ago.
"They told me about the project and the trust I felt was one of the most important things because they really believed in me and what I can do. That was why I made my decision to come to Germany.
“What can I do? The mirror is always on the pitch. I promise I will give 100pc. I will be a good team mate and hopefully to score a lot of goals, many assists, and a successful season with the team. I don’t want to say big words about the season but my expectations are high to have a good season. Of course we have to work hard but, personally, I want to play a lot of games and contribute.”
Tzolis is looking for a footballing home after failing to emerge as a frontline option at Carrow Road, following his big-money move to Norwich in 2021.
“I started in Greece and my home town team in PAOK then I moved to Norwich in the Premier League and it was a difficult year,” he said, in his first Fortuna club interview. “The next season, last season, I had my loan to the Netherlands but was out for three months with injury.
"When I was playing it was a good time there, but Norwich recalled me back to England and that period after the injury was difficult. I am here for a fresh, new start from the beginning of the season.
“I was actually in Germany when I was 15 or 16. I lived in Frankfurt with my family, nice city, but Dusseldorf is better of course.”
Former German World Cup runner up and Dusseldorf’s general manager, Klaus Allofs, reiterated Tzolis was a big summer target.
“We've had Christos on the list for a long time and are very happy that we've now been able to finalize the transfer,” he added on his club’s official site. “Signing an attacking player was high on our agenda.
"Despite his young age, he already has considerable international experience and can help us straight away.”
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