A great of the game says goodbye! On Thursday Xabi Alonso announced he will call time on his career at the end of this season. “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,” the Spaniard told FC Bayern TV LIVE. “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.
“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,” Karl-Heinz Rummenigge commented.
Alonso’s honours collection is close to unmatched, as he was a Champions League winner in 2005 and 2014, La Liga champion in 2012, European champion in 2008 and 2012 and a World Cup winner in 2010 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. I never would’ve thought I’d have such a great career, and I hope there’s more to come before it ends,” the player said.
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