Witsel joins Atletico, 40-year-old Joaquin extends Betis contract

Veteran Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel has joined Atletico Madrid on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund, the Spanish La Liga club announced on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old, who has been capped 124 times by Belgium, has signed until June 30, 2023 after four years in the Bundesliga.

Witsel "is a new Atletico Madrid player after the agreement reached between our club and the Belgian footballer, who signs for one season", the club said.

"Our new midfielder will bring a lot of experience, having played more than 600 official matches."

The announcement confirms a move that was mooted by club president Enrique Cerezo on June 27.

Witsel joins Atletico to cover the departure of the Mexican Hector Herrera and will team up with fellow Belgian international Yannick Carrasco.

After beginning his career at Standard Liege in 2006, Witsel went on to play for Benfica, Zenit Saint Petersburg and Chinese club Tianjin Tianhai before joining Dortmund in 2018.

Last season he played 40 matches and scored two goals.

He has also participated with Belgium in two World Cups (2014 and 2018) and in two European Championships (2016 and 2020).

Joaquin signs new Betis deal aged 40

Attacking midfielder Joaquin has signed a new one-year contract with Real Betis, two weeks before his 41st birthday, the Spanish club said on Wednesday.

Joaquin's decision means the Betis captain is set to begin a 23rd season, and a 14th with the Seville-based outfit as he turns 41 on July 21.

The former Spain playmaker is the outfield player with the most matches in La Liga history and next term will have the chance to become the Spanish top-flight's oldest goal-scorer.

Englishman Harry Lowe is the oldest player to feature in the league. He turned out aged 48 for Real Sociedad in the 1930s.