Xabi Alonso Signs New Two-Year Contract with Real Madrid
Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has ended speculation over his future by signing a new two-year contract with the Spanish giants.
He posted on his official Twitter account, alongside a photo of the Santiago Bernabeu:”This will continue to be my home for two more years. I am very happy to tell you. Come on Madrid!”
The club also posted a statement on their website, saying:”Real Madrid can announce the extension of Xabi Alonso’s contract, that will keep him tied to the club for two more years until June 30, 2016.”
The 32-year-old had been free to talk to other clubs since January 1 as his previous deal was set to come to an end in June. However, despite interest from a number of leading European clubs, including Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, Madrid have managed to tie down the Spain international.
Alonso’s start to the current campaign had been disrupted by a groin injury and breaking a bone in his foot in August. However, since his return at the end of October, his importance to Carlo Ancelotti’s side has been underlined as Real have embarked on a 13-game unbeaten run.
After starting his career at Basque side Real Sociedad, Alonso was signed by compatriot Rafael Benitez for Liverpool in 2004 for £10.5 million. He became a fans’ favourite during his five years in Merseyside and famously scored the equaliser as Liverpool came from 3-0 down at half-time to beat AC Milan on penalties in the 2005 Champions League final.
In 2009 he joined Madrid in a £30 million move as part of Real president Florentino Perez’s promised spending spree upon being elected for a second term in charge. He played 36 league games as Madrid won La Liga with a club record 100 points under Jose Mourinho in 2011/12.
And Alonso has also played a key role in the Spanish national team’s era of dominance as he played in every game when they won the FIFA World Cup™ for the first time in 2010 and a second consecutive UEFA European Championship in 2012.