Russian money never ends: "Zenit" offered another 40 million euros for Witsel (VIDEO) © EuroFootball.com

Saint Petersburg's "Zenit" club continues to impressively strengthen: it has been officially confirmed that Lisbon's "Benfica" defender Axel Witsel has been acquired for about 40 million euros.

Just a few hours earlier, for a similar amount, "Porto" forward Hulk moved to Russia from "Porto." Both the Brazilian and the Belgian Witsel signed five-year contracts.

The 23-year-old defender played only one season in Portugal - before that, he represented Liege's "Standard." "Zenit" decided to pay the redemption amount specified in the contract for him, i.e. 40 million euros.

The Saint Petersburg team will compete in the UEFA Champions League Group C alongside "Malaga," "Anderlecht," and "Milan."

Highlights of Witsel's game: