Key facts
- Axel Witsel will not return to Girona after one season.
- Girona was relegated to the second division last month.
- Witsel's contract with Girona expires June 30.
- He stated a return to Standard Liège is 'out of the question'.
- Witsel has 138 appearances for the Belgian national team.
- Center back Zeno Debast is sidelined with a leg injury.
Midfielder Axel Witsel has announced he will not return to Girona after one season with the La Liga club, citing their relegation to the second division. Witsel, who joined Girona after three years at Atlético Madrid, will become a free agent on June 30 when his contract expires. He stated that while he still wishes to play football and remains available for the Belgian national team, a return to his hometown club Standard Liège is also not an option.
Witsel, 37, has made 138 appearances for Belgium since his debut in 2008 and reversed his decision to retire from international football a year ago. He is preparing for his fourth World Cup, with Belgium set to open their campaign against Egypt. Meanwhile, center back Zeno Debast is still sidelined with a leg injury sustained while training with Sporting Lisbon and is not expected to be available until later in the tournament.