Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel has become the latest high-profile player to move to China, joining promoted Tianjin Quanjian after turning down an offer from Serie A champions Juventus.
Russian club Zenit St Petersburg said the 27-year-old player, now at the peak of his career, would sign a five-year deal with the Chinese club.
Witsel had been chased by Juventus since the previous transfer window, according to Italian media reports.
He was quoted by Italian media on Monday saying that his decision to move to China rather than Turin had been a “really difficult” choice.
“On the one hand, there was a great team and a top club such as Juventus, but on the other, there was an offer which I could not refuse for the sake of my family,” he said.
Axel Witsel said he had been faced by a difficult choice. Photo: Reuters
