The former Liverpool hero will be hanging up his boots.
Certain players have the ability to transcend the rivalry, tribalism and biased nature that comes with being a football fan, Xabi Alonso is one of them.
In a glittering career that has seen him win the World Cup, two European Championships, two Champions Leagues, two Bundesliga titles, La Liga and domestic cups in Germany, Spain and England, along with countless other trophies, the gifted midfielder has decided to retire.
Aside from his dazzling passing range and ability to score an absolute peach from long range, Alonso just oozed class, both on and off the field.
We’re struggling to think of another footballer that’s happy to express their love of The Big Lebowski or indie darlings Pavement.
Good morning! Time for breakfast pic.twitter.com/Wws3IhzrLE
— Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso) March 16, 2013
https://twitter.com/XabiAlonso/status/231432853932617729
While the Spanish midfielder still has a busy season ahead with Bayern Munich, plenty of football fans have shared some of their favourite memories about a midfielder that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of finest players of his generation.
Here’s what some of his former teammates have said about Alonso.
Not a bad career Pass Master! https://t.co/IUnU4DzV8V
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) March 9, 2017
So lucky for sharing it with you in 3 different teams!! Thanks for everything "manoplas"!! LEGEND! #GraciasXabi https://t.co/ozN4FcvzIN
— Pepe Reina (@PReina25) March 9, 2017
Legend. pic.twitter.com/kcezOGaMgi
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 9, 2017
"The Pass Master" announces his retirement. Good luck my friend! Thanks for all the great passes🙏🏻you always found me @XabiAlonso 👏🏻👏🏻
— John Arne Riise (@JARiiseOfficial) March 9, 2017
And we did love watching you play !!
Gracias por tanto Xabi !! https://t.co/19CP3FIu6c— Luis Garcia (@luchogarcia14) March 9, 2017
Top quality 👍⚽ All the best Xabi https://t.co/bag4yq4GcB
— Neil Mellor (@NeilMellor33) March 9, 2017
⚽ @XabiAlonso – a man you don't want to face from 25 yards. pic.twitter.com/L67DvubKdB
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 9, 2017
Como convertirte en una leyenda del fútbol mundial en solo cuatro pasos. pic.twitter.com/75pVHGdUKk
— Álvaro Arbeloa (@aarbeloa17) March 9, 2017
The game will miss your football and your values, @XabiAlonso. It was a privilege to have shared part of your successful career with you! pic.twitter.com/IUCdW7syC7
— Pako Ayestarán (@PakoAyestaran) March 9, 2017
It’s not just people associated with Liverpool, Bayern, Real Madrid or Sociedad that are going to miss him, it appears that the general footballing public know a class act when they see one.
What a player. What a career. https://t.co/E3NWiptsHk
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarrett) March 9, 2017
Xabi Alonso confirms he's retiring. Watching him was a joy, but also an education. A truly brilliant player and an absolute gent
— Oliver Kay (@OliverKay) March 9, 2017
Alonso captaining this wonderful set of players to finishing only 2 points off Real and their Galácticos in 2003 says everything. He was 21. pic.twitter.com/vTqK08WwE1
— Enda Higgins (@endahiggins88) March 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/_lfcleanne/status/839801038920110081
