Axel Witsel rules out Standard Liège return, open to staying in Spain | OneFootball

Axel Witsel has ruled out a return to Standard Liège and confirmed he will not stay at Girona next season as he prepares for the World Cup. He is a free agent and would prefer to remain in Spain, though he is open to other offers.

According to Glorioso 1904, the 37-year-old told reporters in Seattle he does not expect to continue at Girona and is already out of contract.

He dismissed a comeback to Belgian football, saying that when Belgium is mentioned it effectively means Standard, and he declined it immediately. He added that returns to the past are never easy. He reflected on a career that has taken him to Benfica, Zenit, Borussia Dortmund and Atlético Madrid since leaving Belgium in 2011.

Witsel described his season as mixed. Relegation from LaLiga was a collective disappointment, yet he logged plenty of minutes and high-level matches, which he said was one reason for his place at the 2026 World Cup.

He insisted retirement is not on the table. Witsel still wants to play and would welcome staying in LaLiga, but he remains open to options given his age. For now, he is focused on enjoying his fourth World Cup.

Source: Glorioso 1904