Axel Witsel: ‘I wanted to leave Zenit St Petersburg'

And AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani confirmed yesterday that they had 'tried to the end' to sign the Belgian international, but ultimately the deadline passed with no movement.

“I will not leave anymore,” Witsel, who was also a target for Spurs, told the Daily Mirror.

“Zenit took the decision yesterday because in that short time they cant find someone to play on my position.

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

Meanwhile, Corriere della Sera has reported this morning that President Silvio Berlusconi blocked a move for Sampdoria’s Roberto Soriano as he was disappointed by the first two matches of the season.