Sports
11:15, 07-Aug-2018
Belgium star Witsel leaves Tianjin Quanjian to play for Dortmund
Updated
10:30, 10-Aug-2018
["china","europe"]
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Borussia Dortmund have announced that they agreed to sign Belgium international Axel Witsel from Chinese Super League side Tianjin Quanjian.
The German giants triggered the release clause in the 29-year-old’s contract to take him back to Europe.
Witsel, a central defensive midfielder who impressed for Belgium during the World Cup in Russia, will be given a four-year contract by Dortmund.
Axel Witsel takes a selfie with a fan during training camp, August 6, 2018, in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland. /VCG Photo
Axel Witsel takes a selfie with a fan during training camp, August 6, 2018, in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland. /VCG Photo
“We’re very happy that he has chosen Borussia Dortmund,” the club’s sporting director Michael Zorc said in a statement, adding that Dortmund, also known as BVB, would pay the release clause in Witsel’s contract without revealing any financial details.
“Axel is a player with a great deal of international experience who has all the skills to shape BVB’s central midfield: tactical understanding, tackling power, speed, and creativity,” Zorc added.
Tianjin Quanjian were reluctant to let their talisman Witsel leave this summer but Dortmund triggered the release clause in his contract. /VCG Photo
Tianjin Quanjian were reluctant to let their talisman Witsel leave this summer but Dortmund triggered the release clause in his contract. /VCG Photo
Witsel began his career at Standard Liege and played for Portuguese side Benfica and Russia’s Zenit St Petersburg before joining Tianjin in January last year.
“I’m totally happy and also proud to be allowed to play for BVB soon. After our first conversation, I did not have to think twice, because for me Borussia Dortmund is one of the best clubs on the continent,” Witsel said.
The Belgian also posted a farewell message through his official Weibo account to his Chinese fans.
"After 18 months in China, I would like to thank everyone at Tianjin Quanjian for an amazing experience. We have created great memories together. Thank you to all the fans, staff and team for making the time we had together unforgettable," he wrote.
"All the best for the rest of the season and the future ahead. I’m confident you will all continue to go on and achieve great things."
(With inputs from agencies)