Xabi Alonso plays final game of his glittering career
Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso played the final game of his impeccable career on Saturday afternoon and will now hang up his boots.
The Spaniard confirmed his intention to retire from professional football in March and brought the curtain down by playing 82 minutes as Bayern Munich beat Freiburg 4-1. He left the pitch to a standing ovation.
Alonso achieved practically every success in the European game, having started his career with Real Sociedad before moving to Merseyside in the summer of 2004 when Rafael Benitez took charge of the Reds.
Five years of captivating Anfield with his flawless passing range preceded a transfer to Real Madrid, where he spent another half-decade and then switched to the Bundesliga and Bayern in 2014.
His trophy haul at club level includes two Champions Leagues, three Bundesliga titles, a La Liga title, one FA Cup, two Spanish Cups and one German Cup.
On the international stage, meanwhile, Xabi was part of the Spain squad that dominated continental and global football in winning the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championship of both 2008 and 2012.
Watch: Alonso's LFC career in his own words
Steven Gerrard sent his former teammate and friend a heartfelt message ahead of Alonso’s final appearance, telling the 35-year-old: “I just want to say huge congratulations on your retirement.
“What a special career and a fantastic player. For me, probably the most enjoyable partner throughout my career as a midfielder. The best passer of a ball I’ve ever played with.
“You deserve all the accolades you get, mate. What a special career for club and country.
“I’m very jealous of you having a World Cup winner’s medal, I’m very jealous of you having league titles in Germany and Spain. But you deserve it, mate.
“I couldn’t ask for a better midfield partner. When you left, it broke my heart. But you’ll always have a special place at this football club and you’re always welcome to come and visit.”