Xabi Alonso saying Goodbye

Xabi Alonso spoke to the press in the pressroom at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Basque player said goodbye to Madrid's fans: "I want to say thanks to the fans. From the first day they've helped me feel at home and they gave me the respect and warmth that a player needs. I'm leaving this team, but I will never stop being part of the Madrid family". 

“They have been five wonderful years. It is a sad day because I'm closing a marvellous chapter. I had a great time here, we have won big things and now a new chapter opens for me. It was the hardest decision I've ever had to take; leaving Madrid is never easy. I have mediated it well and I wanted to be honest with Real Madrid and myself. You have to know when to say goodbye and I think that this was the best moment to do so". 

THE BERNABÉU IS VERY SPECIAL AND MY MEMORY WILL BE ETERNAL.

“The club did not want me to go, it was my decision and I asked them to understand. From respect and good communication, the club didn't share my idea but they understood my need to start a new chapter, to start from zero in a new club". 

Thanks to Florentino Pérez
“I have to thank everyone who has helped me. Firstly Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez. They've treated me fantastically over the years. It's been a relationship of respect, which for me is very important and was something I valued a lot. I am going to have this with me for my whole life, as an example in the way you should do things". 

"Also to the coaches who I have had. They have allowed me to grow and learn this sport and they have given me importance at the biggest club in the world. I'm more of a footballer than when I came. And to my teammates; without them I wouldn't have achieved anything. La Décima was an objective, a dream for everyone after such a long time trying. To all the employees of the club who have helped me, my family and helped us so that everything was a lot easier in this city". 

His time with Real Madrid
“You always see it one way from the outside. You then go inside and you realise how big it is and how important it is. It is the world's biggest club and it has such a history for a reason. It was a sense of pride and privilege to be part of this club. The Bernabéu is very special and I my memories will be eternal. I'm now just another fan". 

The current squad
“Real Madrid have secured a top player in Kroos. We would have both played a lot. It's not an angry reaction, it is much more mediated. I had the confidence of the club and manager here. It continues to be a squad that is even better than last year's". 

"I'm sure they'll fight for everything. It's a top side with world class players all over the park. They have compensated well with the new arrivals". 

A new cycle
“After winning the Décima, I feel that a new cycle is starting at the club, and that I too should need a new one. I wanted to be honest with myself and with the club and to know when is the time to say goodbye". 

Butragueño: “It was an honour to have had you here these years"
“It is the goodbye of a player who is part of our club's history. Five years of professionalism and input in which he has been an example both on and off the pitch. From the first day he perfectly understood what the values of being a Madrid player are". 

“Xabi Alonso has decided to start a new chapter in his life, and the club wants to respect that. It has been an honour and a privilege to have had you here these years. We wish you the best, and that you know that here is your home. Your memory will remain in our hearts.