Witsel's Journey: From Club Decisions to World Cup Aspirations
Witsel's Departure from Girona: A New Chapter Beckons
Preparing for Belgium's initial World Cup match against Egypt, midfielder Axel Witsel confirmed his decision not to extend his tenure with Girona, the La Liga club. The 37-year-old athlete joined Girona following a three-year stint at Atlético Madrid. However, due to Girona's recent relegation to the second division, Witsel expressed no desire to remain with the team beyond June 30, when his current contract concludes.
Mixed Emotions and Unwavering Dedication to Football
In a recent statement, Witsel articulated his departure from Girona with a sense of mixed feelings, acknowledging his free agent status and the club's relegation. He reiterated his strong desire to continue his football career and his ongoing commitment to the Belgian national team, the Red Devils, as long as he remains an active player.
Rule Out Return to Standard Liège: A Look Back and Forward
The native of Liège, Belgium, also dismissed any speculation of a return to his former club, Standard Liège, where he began his professional career in 2006. Witsel clarified his stance, stating that a return would be complex, especially given his past successes with the club. He drew parallels with other prominent players, emphasizing the challenges of rejoining a former team. Despite this, he acknowledged the unique circumstances of some players' successful returns.
Fourth World Cup Appearance and National Team Commitment
Witsel is set to participate in his fourth World Cup, a testament to his enduring career. After a brief retirement from the national team in May 2023, he rescinded that decision a year later, reaffirming his dedication to representing Belgium. Since his debut in 2008, Witsel has accumulated 138 appearances and scored 12 goals for the national squad. Belgium's World Cup campaign is scheduled to commence against Egypt in Seattle.
Debast's Continued Absence from Training
Meanwhile, central defender Zeno Debast remained the sole notable Belgian player absent from recent training sessions. His absence was anticipated following his missed practice on Wednesday. Debast sustained a leg injury last month during training with Sporting Lisbon, a Portuguese club, and is not expected to be fit for play until later in the tournament. The 22-year-old has 26 caps for Belgium and was part of the 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar.
