Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso announced that he will retire when his contract with the club expires at the end of the season.
The 35-year-old confirmed the news of his retirement on social media on Thursday, after rumours started circulating in the media in the last two months.
Alonso admits that it was a hard decision to make, but feels it is the right time to call time on his footballing career.
‘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,’ Alonso told the Bayern Munich website.
‘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.’
The 35-year-old joined the German record champions in 2014. In his time with the club, the midfield maestro’s qualities have contributed to two further Bundesliga titles and a DFB Cup triumph. Alonso has won more league titles at FCB than at any previous club.
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge went on to praise the midfield maestro for his quality and contribution towards the team during his three-year stay at the club.
‘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,’ Rummenigge said.
‘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.
During his playing career, Alonso has won a total of 15 trophies, including two Champions League trophies in 2005 and 2014, La Liga in 2012, while also winning two European Championship trophies and the World Cup with Spain.
‘I’ve experienced so much as a player with Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. They are all great clubs. And of course, with the Spanish national team,’ he added.
‘I never would’ve thought I’d have such a great career, and I hope there’s more to come before it ends.’
Over the course of his career, Alonso has scored a total of 44 goals and has assisted a further 690 appearances in all competitions playing for the likes of Real Sociedad, SD Eibar, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern.
