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Xabi Alonso: I Really Wanted This Day To Come
The Spanish star has spoken for the first time as a Real Madrid player.
Aug 5, 2009 6:15:36 PM
Xabi Alonso has completed a €34 million move from Liverpool to Real Madrid after weeks of speculation concerning his future at Anfield.
The 27-year-old had his first training session with Real today and spoke for the first time as a player of the club tonight at a press conference at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"This is a very happy day for me, a really big step in my career, to get to a great club like Real from another great club like Liverpool," Alonso said.
"I really wanted this day to come and I am very happy to be part of this club."
Xabi Alonso's transfer to the Spanish capital took weeks to come to reality, but the player notes that he was always hopeful he would sign for the Merengues.
"I did not hold all the cards in my hand but I was trustful I could leave and what better club than Real Madrid?
"Some time ago I became determined to leave and when the Real Madrid opportunity came along, I spoke to Liverpool about it.
"The ending was the expected one. I am here and very happy."
The new Real acquisition, who will travel with the rest of the squad to Toronto, explained how he was welcomed by his new team-mates at today's training.
"They received me well. I arrived a bit late and I was received with applause," he noted. "As days go by, I will know them better and they will know me better. I have never had problems anywhere."
Alonso stated he was not able to say goodbye to his Liverpool club colleagues, but that it should happen in the near future.
"My farewell was very quick. It all happened very fast and I did not have time to say goodbye," Alonso said. "I want to return to say goodbye to my team-mates and [coach] Rafa [Benitez].
"Since it happened so fast, I almost did not have time, so there will be time for a proper farewell."
When asked about the possibility of returning to Anoeta, the home of Real Sociedad, where he played for five years, the midfielder said: "I am really excited to play once again at Anoeta. Five years ago I did not know what the future would bring.
"I hope I will be well received there. That's my home, the people there treat me very well."
The Real Madrid fans have high hopes for the team following several high-profile signings, and Alonso revealed he understands the "great expectations" surrounding his new side.
"I accept the challenge. I will try to bring everything I know, give solutions to my team-mates, balance to the team and make the ball go from one side to the other," Alonso stated.
"This is a project to make big things. I believe the adopted formula is positive, with world-class players."
Luís Mira, Goal.com
For more on Spain click ahead to Goal.com's Spain homepage
The 27-year-old had his first training session with Real today and spoke for the first time as a player of the club tonight at a press conference at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"This is a very happy day for me, a really big step in my career, to get to a great club like Real from another great club like Liverpool," Alonso said.
"I really wanted this day to come and I am very happy to be part of this club."
Xabi Alonso's transfer to the Spanish capital took weeks to come to reality, but the player notes that he was always hopeful he would sign for the Merengues.
"I did not hold all the cards in my hand but I was trustful I could leave and what better club than Real Madrid?
"Some time ago I became determined to leave and when the Real Madrid opportunity came along, I spoke to Liverpool about it.
"The ending was the expected one. I am here and very happy."
The new Real acquisition, who will travel with the rest of the squad to Toronto, explained how he was welcomed by his new team-mates at today's training.
"They received me well. I arrived a bit late and I was received with applause," he noted. "As days go by, I will know them better and they will know me better. I have never had problems anywhere."
Alonso stated he was not able to say goodbye to his Liverpool club colleagues, but that it should happen in the near future.
"My farewell was very quick. It all happened very fast and I did not have time to say goodbye," Alonso said. "I want to return to say goodbye to my team-mates and [coach] Rafa [Benitez].
"Since it happened so fast, I almost did not have time, so there will be time for a proper farewell."
When asked about the possibility of returning to Anoeta, the home of Real Sociedad, where he played for five years, the midfielder said: "I am really excited to play once again at Anoeta. Five years ago I did not know what the future would bring.
"I hope I will be well received there. That's my home, the people there treat me very well."
The Real Madrid fans have high hopes for the team following several high-profile signings, and Alonso revealed he understands the "great expectations" surrounding his new side.
"I accept the challenge. I will try to bring everything I know, give solutions to my team-mates, balance to the team and make the ball go from one side to the other," Alonso stated.
"This is a project to make big things. I believe the adopted formula is positive, with world-class players."
Luís Mira, Goal.com
For more on Spain click ahead to Goal.com's Spain homepage
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