Axel Witsel confirms he will leave Girona after one season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 7:43 PM
Last updated Jun 12, 2026
Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel announced he will not stay with Girona following their relegation from LaLiga. Witsel, whose contract expires on June 30, expressed mixed feelings about leaving but confirmed he wants to continue playing elsewhere. He also ruled out a return to Standard Liège, where he began his career. Witsel is preparing for Belgium's World Cup match against Egypt and aims to contribute to his team despite taking a break from international play in May 2023.
- •Witsel joined Girona after three years at Atlético Madrid.
- •Girona was relegated to the second division in May.
- •Witsel is targeting a move after his contract expires.
- •He ruled out a return to Standard Liège.
- •Belgium opens their World Cup campaign against Egypt.
- 7:43 PMYahoo Sports — Belgium midfielder Witsel 'not staying at Girona' and will not return to Standard Liège
"While preparing for Belgium's World Cup opener against Egypt, midfielder Axel Witsel said he has no intention of returning to Girona after one season with the La Liga club. The 37-year-old Witsel joined Girona after three years at Atlético Madrid but because Girona was relegated to the second division last month he was not interest in remaining with the team past June 30, when his contract expires. “I am not staying at Girona because I am a free agent and we have been relegated," Witsel said in French on Friday.
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