Draxler reveals why he joined Wolfsburg over Juventus

Julian Draxler has revealed he decided to leave Schalke for Wolfsburg rather than join Juventus because he felt he had a better chance of realising his full potential by staying in Germany.

Massimiliano Allegri's side had made the attacking midfielder their primary transfer target before the close of the summer window and wanted to wrap up a deal for the 21-year-old over the weekend.

However, Draxler instead joined Schalke's Bundesliga rivals Wolfsburg on deadline day, much to the disappointment of Juve, who promptly signed Hernanes from Inter to address their outstanding need for a trequartista.

Draxler has now explained that although he felt the time was right to leave Gelsenkirchen, moving to Italy never truly appealed to him. The Germany international added that his one regret is being signed by Wolfsburg to replace Kevin De Bruyne rather than getting the chance to line up alongside the Belgian, who has instead joined Manchester City.

"I left Schalke because I wanted a change of scenery," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"But I think that in Germany, in relation to Italy, I can grow more and better develop my characteristics. The Bundesliga is an environment that I already know.

"I'm only sorry to have not arrived here to find De Bruyne. It would have been great to play with him."

Although the exact figures have not been disclosed by either party, Schalke did announce they have received a club-record fee for Draxler, with reports suggesting Wolfsburg paid approximately €35 million.