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Witsel leaves Standard for Benfica

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Axel Witsel believes the technical nature of the Portuguese Liga will suit him after the Belgian international left R. Standard de Liège to join SL Benfica on a five-year contract.

Axel Witsel was a key player at Standard
Axel Witsel was a key player at Standard ©Getty Images

Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel has ended a long association with R. Standard de Liège to join SL Benfica.

The 22-year-old has penned a five-year contract and arrives for an undisclosed fee. Witsel, who joined Standard aged ten and went on to score 32 goals in 146 league appearances over five seasons, said: "I'm very happy ... it was time to move abroad. The Portuguese league is very technical so it will be good for my style of play."

Benfica will feature in Friday's UEFA Champions League third qualifying round draw.

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