Axel Witsel: 'I wanted Zenit St Petersburg exit'

Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel has admitted that he wanted to leave the Russian club during the summer.

The 26-year-old had been linked with a move to AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur in the past month, but a potential transfer failed to materialise as Zenit were unable to find a suitable replacement.

"No, I will not leave anymore," he is quoted as saying by The Mirror. "Zenit took the decision yesterday because in that short time they can't find someone to play on my position.

"It's a pity because I hoped to make a transfer."

Witsel, who has won 60 caps for Belgium, joined Zenit in September 2012 from Benfica.