Bayern Munich Midfielder Xabi Alonso To Retire At The End Of The Season
REUTERS/Michaela Rehle
Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso has confirmed that he will be retiring at the end of this season.
Having spent his early years at Real Sociedad, Xabi Alonso then enjoyed two successful spells with Premier League giants Liverpool and La Liga powerhouse Real Madrid, before joining Bayern in 2014.
Since his arrival in Germany, the Spaniard has helped the Bavarian club win two Bundesliga titles and a DFB Pokal, and his team continues to fight in this season’s Champions League, after having recently progressed through to the quarterfinals following their 10-2 aggregate humiliation of Arsenal over the two legs.
The decorated midfielder won trophies with the Spanish national team as well, as he was a vital member of the squad that won the 2010 World Cup as well as the European Championships in 2008 and 2012, before eventually retiring from international football in 2014.
And now, Alonso has announced his retirement from club level football as well, after posting the following message on his official twitter account.
Lived it. Loved it.
Farewell beautiful game. pic.twitter.com/1aSN7GGNzZ
— Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso) March 9, 2017
The midfield maestro also spoke with FC Bayern TV, and revealed: “It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I believe it’s the right time. 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.
“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.”
Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge added: “FC Bayern would like to thank a great player and person for representing FC Bayern to such a high standard both on and off the pitch.
“Xabi Alonso is one of the greats of world football. He has won everything there is to win during his career. He’s a thoroughly remarkable person, and a gentleman of the game.”
