Atletico Madrid defender Axel Witsel has offered a frank response over the ongoing player transfer exodus to Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Pro League have invested huge sums in both transfer funds and salaries in recent months as clubs have looked to bolster their squads by signing major players from European clubs.

As part of the continuing moves towards developing a rival to Europe in the transfer market, stars from La Liga have made the switch to the Middle East, at opposite ends of their careers.

Karim Benzema opted to join Al Ittihad over signing a new deal at Real Madrid with Gabri Veiga rejecting interest from across Europe to sign for Al Ahli.

Former Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco moved to Al Shabab and his old teammate Witsel was pragmatic in his assessment, calling on memories of his decision to move to China in 2017.

“We each have our path. I’m not going to say it was bad to leave for Arabia because I left for China when I was 27. For me, Yannick has done well”, as per reports from Marca.

“It was a life experience, of course we ‘go there for money’. It’s the truth and Yannick has done that and it’s fine.”

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mets release veteran infielder
Anderson Silva, Chael Sonnen will finish off their trilogy in a boxing ring
Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren highlight 2023-24 All-Rookie team
Jaguars' Doug Pederson discusses Trevor Lawrence contract extension
Saints, star CB 'moving forward' following trade chatter
Pacers ride historic shooting performance to Game 7 blowout of Knicks
Timberwolves mount incredible second-half comeback to stun Nuggets in Game 7
Xander Schauffele proves doubters wrong with historic win at 2024 PGA Championship
Four things we learned from Joey Logano's All-Star Race win at North Wilkesboro
Phil Foden lifts Manchester City to fourth consecutive English Premier League title
Watch: Aaron Judge blasts 13th home run in Yankees' seventh straight win
Canucks won't have linchpin forward for Game 7 vs. Oilers
Jags reportedly mulling extension for Trevor Lawrence, but is that the right choice?
Gordon Hayward calls role with Thunder 'frustrating'
Mets reliever Edwin Diaz showing short shelf life of closers
Three offseason moves the 49ers must make
Watch: NASCAR drivers exchange punches after crash in All-Star Race
Knicks star offers passionate defense of HC Tom Thibodeau after Game 7 loss
Knicks' Jalen Brunson suffers serious injury in Game 7 vs. Pacers
Dodgers add recently acquired left-hander to active roster

Want more Atletico news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.