Axel Witsel joins Atletico Madrid on a free transfer
By Tushar Bahl
Axel Witsel has joined Atletico Madrid on a one year contract after leaving Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season.
Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Axel Witsel, with the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder putting pen to paper on a one year contract (with the option to extend it for another year). The Belgian international left BVB at the end of last season when his contract with the club expired.
Witsel joined Borussia Dortmund in 2018 and immediately established himself as one of the mainstays of the team. He was a regular starter for the Black and Yellows for the majority of his four years at the club, and made a total of 143 appearances across all competitions. Now a new challenge awaits the 33 year old.
I’m proud to join this historic club and looking forward to the challenge ahead with @Atleti 💪🏽
— Axel Witsel (@axelwitsel28) July 6, 2022
I can’t wait to join my new teammates, coaches and wear the colours of this great club 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/pxRUzCYgZb
The recently concluded season was a difficult one for Witsel, as he wasn’t able to make the same impact in defensive midfield. And the BVB bosses made the decision not to extend his contract. But the style of play in La Liga should suit him more, and it will be interesting to see how he fares at Atletico Madrid.
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With the FIFA World Cup coming up later this year, Axel Witsel will have his sights set on making an instant impact at his new club as he looks to shore up his place in the Belgium starting XI. His experience will certainly be crucial to the Atletico Madrid midfield as they look to challenge Real Madrid and FC Barcelona for the La Liga title next season.