I could have joined Real Madrid, reveals Axel Witsel

I could have joined Real Madrid, reveals Axel Witsel

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Belgian International and Borussia Dortmund superstar Axel Witsel, has opened up about the past failed transfers to European giants such as Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus. Witsel moved to Signal Iduna Park last year, and has already conquered the board and mainly the fans.

Axel Witsel has recently opened up in an interview about having the opportunity of joining a top European league much sooner than he did. The Belgian midfielder joined Borussia Dortmund last summer from Zenit St Petersburg, but that move could have come much earlier. In an interview with Goal, the 30-year-old opened about his past and even a potential move to Real Madrid.Ā 

"I could have joined Real Madrid when Jose Mourinho was there. But then Real signed Luka Modric, so a transfer to Madrid made no sense to me. Shortly before the end of the transfer period, Zenit called. I had good discussions with the people responsible and finally agreed. I am an open person and was not afraid of Russia," admitted Axel to GoalĀ 

After he joined Zenit St Petersburg and started performing, Witsel came close to another move to aĀ historic club, but it didn't materialise thanks to various issues with the transfer.Ā 

"My contract with Zenit expired and I wanted to move to Turin to Juventus. I had already passed the medical check and actually only had to sign the contract. I waited all day in the office and Zenit told me to come back. In retrospect, that was perhaps a twist of fate. Maybe it was just not the right time," Witsel concluded.

The 30-year-old has always been a highly-touted prospect, since his Standard Liege days. The move to Benfica came after that, and after a strong season, Witsel could have moved to any European powerhouse. The player is now representing Borussia Dortmund and is considered to be one of the best midfielders in the top 5 leagues.Ā 

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