Two days after starring in Bayern Munich’s 5-1 humiliation of Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Xabi Alonso, has confirmed his retirement from football at the age of 35.
The 2010 World Cup winner took to online messaging platform, Twitter, on Thursday to confirm what has been a rumour in the last two months.
Lived it. Loved it.
Farewell beautiful game. pic.twitter.com/1aSN7GGNzZ
— Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso) March 9, 2017
Alonso is undoubtedly one of Spain’s finest midfielders of all-time having made over a century appearances scoring 16 times.
He quit La Furia Roja in 2014 after they failed to successfully defend their FIFA World Cup title in Brazil.
The 35-year-old started his playing career with Spanish side, Real Sociedad, in 1999 before joining Liverpool five years later – where he won his first UEFA Champions League almost immediately.
He would go ahead to clinch his second UCL title with Real Madrid in 2014.
In total, Alonso won 13 trophies at club level and three with his country.
Bayern is on track to clinch a historic treble this season which will be a perfect partying present to the iconic midfielder.
One of the greats is saying goodbye. @XabiAlonso will retire from professional football at the end of the season. Danke, Xabi! ? #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/HrbdaUvC4e
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) March 9, 2017
He will be remembered for his trademark long-range strikes and sublime passes.
