Christos Tzolis has admitted that it will be difficult for him to remain at Fortuna Dusseldorf after they missed out on promotion to the Bundesliga. 

The Norwich City winger was part of the side that squandered a 3-0 first-leg lead to Bochum before being beaten on penalties on Monday to condemn them to another year in the second tier of German football. 

Fortuna have an option to sign Tzolis on a permanent basis, but that has to be exercised before the end of the month, and club officials have conceded it will be tough for them to meet the asking price agreed last summer. 

That means Tzolis is likely to return to Norwich, but it's understood his preference would be to remain in Germany, with reports suggesting that Bundesliga sides Union Berlin and Werder Bremen are interested in the 22-year-old. 

Tzolis spoke about his situation immediately after the conclusion of the relegation/promotion play-off, and conceded that he was unlikely to return to the Merkur Spiel-Arena next season. 

"In football, I think you have more disappointing days than happy days, so we have to look forward. This is the only solution," he told ESPN. 

"To have a new team and a fresh start here? I don't know. I am only on loan here. Maybe it is my last day and my last game at home. I am really, really disappointed. I wanted to continue with Fortuna but I think it's really difficult for me to stay now in the second division. 

"I wanted a better end to the season than what happened, so I'm really disappointed. [The fans] have been unbelievable. The love they gave to me, I never had in my life. 

"So many people on the outside, on the road, in the city or in the stadium, they've really helped me to be part of the team from the first moment. The messages I get is everything positive. I really want to thank everyone for that. 

"Fortuna will be in my heart forever and is one of my favourite clubs. The fans deserve better and I hope Fortuna can be in the Bundesliga next season."