Xabi Alonso To Retire At End Of Season
Xabi Alonso [/caption]
Bayern Munich midfielder, Xabi Alonso has announced that he will retire from professional football at the end of the season.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup winner, who played 114 times for Spain, wrote on social media: “Lived it. Loved it. Farewell beautiful game.”
Lived it. Loved it.
Farewell beautiful game. pic.twitter.com/1aSN7GGNzZ
— Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso) March 9, 2017
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The 35-year-old, who played for Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern, won two European Championships and one FIFA World Cup.
In an interview with Bayern’s TV channel Alonso said: “It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I believe it’s the right time,” he said.
“I always thought it would be better to quit sooner rather than later. I still feel good, but I believe this is the right moment.
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“I wanted to end my career still at the highest level, and Bayern is the highest level. I’m incredibly proud and happy to play for FC Bayern and to be a part of this family.”
Alonso was part of the Liverpool side that came from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan on penalties in the famous UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul.
He also claimed an FA Cup, a Uefa Super Cup and a Community Shield during his time at Anfield.
He moved to Real Madrid in 2009, where he won the Champions League and Spanish title before a surprise move to German Champions Bayern Munich in 2014, winning two Bundesliga titles and closing in on a third this season.
In his time with the Spanish national side, Alonso won the 2008 and 2012 European Championships, and the World Cup in South Africa in 2010.
