"?We've seen a lot of players join the revolution over in China lately, and for big money too, but most of these players had few options elsewhere that were worth passing up all that cash for.
The same can't be said for long-time Juventus target Axel Witsel, who looks set to leave Russian side Zenit St Petersburg for Tianjin Quanjian in China, according to "?reports in Belgium.
Reports suggest Axel Witsel set for a move to China, turning down the opportunity to join #Juventus https://t.co/vMIWcNFIF9 pic.twitter.com/XgAJ2tgJtv
The Belgian midfielder had been linked with a host of clubs over the last few transfer windows, but it was Serie A giants Juventus who seemed the most serious about acquiring the 27-year-old's services.
It might seem strange that a player nearing the peak of his career would snub the chance to join one of the most respected clubs in world football, but when we hear about the money on offer in the east, it becomes a lot easier to understand.
It is believed that Witsel will pocket around €18m a year over four years, which is about £300k a week and Zenit will see €20m for a player whose contract is up in six months anyway.
Axell Witsel reveals his "difficult choice" in opting for China over a deal with #Juventus https://t.co/PoiA4J8g6R pic.twitter.com/RwcLjAgLMJ
Interestingly, however, Witsel has come out and revealed his reasons behind the decision and in a way, it's refreshingly honest.
Speaking to Tuttosport, a quoted by Football Italia, he said, "It was a difficult choice because on one hand there was a great team and a top club like Juventus...
La prima pagina di Tuttosport:
- Toro-Iturbe: sì!
- La Juve attacca, Witsel si scusa
Leggi tutto qui: https://t.co/rwU49luf32 pic.twitter.com/E7eJX95a3J
"...But on the other there was an offer for my family that I couldn't turn down. The leadership at Juventus have always behaved like gentlemen with me and I can only be grateful to them.
"I will cheer for Juventus and I hope they can win the Champions League. Then who knows, maybe in the future our paths will finally meet!"
Axel Witsel will join with up Fabio Cannavaro over in China, who is the current manager of Tianjin Quanjian, but unlike some of the other Chinese clubs, he will be one of three non-Chinese players.