Atletico Madrid midfielder Axel Witsel regrets not joining Arsenal early in his career.

Witsel returned to his native Belgium with Atletico yesterday, going down 2-0 to Club Brugge in the Champions League clash.

Father Thierry was interviewed by Het Belang van Limburg ahead of the game - and asked if he had any regrets over his son's career.

He said: "I can name a series, you know.

"Juventus failed in the last hours of a transfer market, but when he was still playing for Standard, Arsenal knocked on the door.

"That was his favourite team, but it didn't come to a deal.

"Before that – with the youth – Anderlecht, Ajax and even Real Madrid inquired.

"Although I wanted Axel to continue playing football close to home in Liege. Regret is not necessary for anything."