On Wednesday, reports emerged that Xabi Alonso would soon be retiring. According to Sportbild, his decision to hang up his boots will come at the end of this season.
The German news outlet claim that the Spanish midfield maestro met with Bayern Munich during the break to inform them that this will be his last season as a professional football player. Alonso’s contract is due to expire this summer, which will be followed by an announcement of his retirement.
The 35-year-old will leave the sport having enjoyed an 18-year glorious career filled with success for both club and country. He was an instrumental player of the Liverpool squad that fought back from 3-0 to win the Champions League final, before winning the trophy again with Real Madrid.
He also got his hands on the FA Cup, La Liga, and a Copa del Rey title during his career. With Spain, he was a dominant figure in the squad that won two European Championships and a World Cup from 2008 to 2012.
Xabi Alonso is one of those players who are respected by fans all together. As a result, he was honored on Twitter despite the lack of confirmation regarding his retirement.
my hero. my mate. @XabiAlonso
— couutinhi manhe (@SquirmingFC) January 18, 2017
Xabi Alonso, what a guy@XabiAlonso
— cory chamberlain (@coryliverpool) January 18, 2017
Sad news from our legend @XabiAlonso ! #LFC #YNWA https://t.co/6yAyOk0DRb
— Esfandyari (@BungEsfan) January 18, 2017
Xabi Alonso to retire from football at the end of the season. What a player one of the key inspirations of LFC Champions League winning side
— Vishal Chawda (@vishalLFC) January 18, 2017
Absolutely admire him.
— TheOnsideRef (@TheOnsideRef) January 18, 2017
Mr Cool- @XabiAlonso
Shame to see him retire. pic.twitter.com/UcXqsZO9kJ
One of my favourite ever players and a madridista to boot, @XabiAlonso . Have a great farewell, legend.
— Abhinav Misra (@princeshwar) January 18, 2017
Xabi Alonso is retiring at the end of the season.
— UNILAD Football (@UNILADFooty) January 18, 2017
Football will never be as suave again... pic.twitter.com/bFzwuf9FnT
Xabi Alonso is RETIRING at the end of the season..
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) January 18, 2017
Champs League
Euro Championships
Bundesliga
World Cup
FA Cup
La Liga pic.twitter.com/4tzEJvASDq
Apparently, Xabi Alonso has told Bayern that he will retire at the end of the season.
— TheODDSbible (@TheOddsBible) January 18, 2017
Probably to smoke cigars and drink wine.
What a man. pic.twitter.com/uCluHila6q
We will miss you a lot Xabi Alonso pic.twitter.com/l8efQKUxJt
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) January 18, 2017
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