Axel Witsel has shared at his unveiling as a new Atletico Madrid player why the Belgian has overlooked interest from Tottenham Hotspur to sign in a free transfer, as quoted by Marca.
Los Colchoneros have signed the midfielder following his release by Borussia Dortmund as a free agent on June 30. Witsel has signed a one-year contract to move to Diego Simeone’s side, who finished the last La Liga season in third-place following a turbulent title defence.
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Witsel will now offer the Wanda Metropolitano natives a wealth of experience from more than 420 career top-flight and over 100 European appearances. The 33-year-old was also a key presence right up to his departure from the Westfalenstadion with 41 games last term.
Witsel snubbed Tottenham interest to join Atletico Madrid in free transfer
Tottenham were among the teams interested in signing Witsel for free following four years with Borussia Dortmund. Der Westen noted this May that Antonio Conte, plus Manchester United, Juventus and Galatasaray each had the 124-cap Belgium technician on their radars.
Marseille also emerged as the frontrunners for his signature in June, per Le10 Sport. But a transfer to Madrid with Atletico was too good for Witsel to refuse as signing for Simeone’s side now allows the Liege native to play the twilight years of his career at a premium level.
“I was free, and I chose Atletico because I wanted to continue at a high level,” Witsel said. “I know I don’t have ten years left, but I want to take advantage of my last few years to play at the highest level. Atletico is at that level, and that’s why I’m here.”
Simeone’s presence in the Wanda Metropolitano dugout was also a key factor in Witsel signing for Atletico Madrid over interest from Premier League sides like Tottenham, or to try a new adventure by testing himself in Italy with Juventus or in France with Marseille.
“It is clear he is one of the best coaches in the world,” Witsel added at his official unveiling as an Atletico Madrid player on Wednesday. “It is one of the reasons why I am here.
“In recent days, we have focused on the physical and I have not been able to talk much with him. But I am very proud to work with him. It doesn’t matter the age, with 33 or 23 you can always learn something, and you can always learn with him.”
Tottenham have so far strengthened Conte’s midfield through signing Yves Bissouma from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer for an initial £25m, up to £35m after add-ons. ESPN also note Spurs are interested in Lucas Paqueta and have made enquiries for the Lyon star.
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