We are talking about one of the most popular players within the Atlético de Madrid dressing room. Axel Laurent Witsel is entering the last year of his contract with the red-whites. The Liège player is meditating upon his future after a somewhat complicated start of season. He understands that, at his age, it is really difficult for him to remain at the club.
The return of José María Giménez at his best version has shown that the "Witselsaurus" is not as necessary as he once was. Last season he was the best centre-back at Atlético de Madrid by far, but time passes for everyone. So much so that the Belgian player only took part of the starting line-up against Villarreal and Espanyol, and in the first league match he was even substituted.
There are no doubts about his importance in the dressing room; there are doubts about his continuity beyond June, although he will sit down to talk with Andrea Berta and Carlos Bucero. In the dressing room, they want him to stay and his teammates support him, but it is Witsel himself who does not want to end his career on the bench. He considers himself fit enough to have minutes inside the field, even if it means playing in a less demanding league and in a not-so-strong team as Atlético de Madrid .
Past Experience in Russia and China
Axel Witsel has already played in exotic leagues such as Russia and China, as well as having played for Benfica and Borussia Dortmund. His most likely destination would be Belgium, and a return to Standard Liège has never been ruled out by either Witsel or his family. Simeone still sees him as an important player, as he contributes both as a central defender in a line of three and, if necessary, playing as a pivot, his natural position ever since he started.
The Argentine coach is in love with the Belgian player's talent, one he has wanted to have under his command since his time at Benfica. When Tiago Mendes left Atlético, the club set its sights on Witsel at Simeone's request, but he chose to go to Russia. He was tempted by the millions of Zenit St. Petersburg who offered him a very powerful economic project.
Simeone Kept Him Away from Marseille
Two summers ago, when everything was ready for his arrival at Olympique de Marseille, Atlético de Madrid appeared and changed the course of the negotiations with the Belgian footballer. The red-white offer was better from a sporting and economic point of view than the French one, and this time the player did reply to Diego Pablo Simeone's call.
He is just three games away from 100 and from having his legendary plaque on the Paseo Centenario. Witsel is not giving up and wants to continue fighting. He hopes to be able to appear when it is most needed. For now, there is an important series of games coming up in which the Belgian player will surely have minutes and will be able to form part of the team coached by Diego Simeone .