Axel Witsel admits he “already felt like a Juventus player in every sense” before his deadline day transfer from Zenit collapsed.
The midfielder flew in for his medical the night before and reportedly sat in the club HQ for 13 hours waiting for the all-clear that never came.
“At times football is like this. These things happen in life,” shrugged the Belgium international in La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Axel Witsel admits he “already felt like a Juventus player in every sense” before his deadline day transfer from Zenit collapsed.
The midfielder flew in for his medical the night before and reportedly sat in the club HQ for 13 hours waiting for the all-clear that never came.
“At times football is like this. These things happen in life,” shrugged the Belgium international in La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Am I angry at the failed move? No, I’m disappointed. I had done the medical and at that point already felt like a Juventus player in every sense."
He also revealed to Tuttosport that he had "already chosen shirt number 28" for the Turin giants.
“It’s disappointing that Zenit made that decision, especially as turning down €25m can be damaging. I, however, can only thank Juventus, as they showed such class with me and did everything they could to sign me.
“It was a strange incident, but I learned Zenit’s decision much earlier than the transfer deadline. I then returned to Brussels, where I arrived at 3am just before the match against Spain.
“My destiny was with the Bianconeri, that’s how I felt. Now I mustn’t think about it anymore. I must remain concentrated, as I am a professional.
“Although with a contract that expires in June…”
There are reports Witsel could join Juventus for a nominal fee in January, or at least agree a free transfer for next summer.
“I don’t know, we’ll see what happens in January. For June… But I haven’t agreed terms with Juventus!” he laughed.
“We’ll see what happens. But my destiny was in that direction… The Bianconeri look like a truly strong team, you’ll see how well they do in the Champions League.”