Juventus, Witsel: ‘I went to China for the money’
The 28-year-old joined Tianjin Quanjian and has gone on to make 26 appearances in the Chinese Super League, scoring four goals and providing three assists for Fabio Cannavaro’s side.
With a lucrative deal on the table for the Belgian international, he has conceded that the financial aspect of the move was important to him and in turn was a big factor in snubbing a move to Juventus.
“I don’t deny that the economic aspect was important and my choice was made especially with the money in mind.
“However, the project also interested me beyond Cannavaro’s presence on the bench and I spoke to him often before reaching my decision.”
It remains to be seen whether or not Witsel opts to return to Europe at some stage in the future having been courted by Juventus prior to his move to the Far East, but few clubs are likely to be able to match the wages that he currently earns based on his comments.