Xabi Alonso has opened up on why he rejected a move to Real Madrid in favour of signing for Liverpool.
Alonso arrived on Merseyside in the summer of 2004 from Real Sociedad, and went on to become a cult hero at Anfield.
Under the guidance of Rafa Benitez, Alonso helped Liverpool win the FA Cup and the Champions League.
The Spaniard also formed a strong bond with club captain Steven Gerrard in midfield, as well as striker and fellow countryman Fernando Torres.
After five years with the Reds, Alonso did eventually sign for Real Madrid in 2009 before moving to Bayern Munich 2014.
He would retire as a player in 2017 and is currently coaching at Sociedad and working his way up to being a manager.
Speaking on Jamie Carragher’s podcast ‘ The Greatest Game ’, Alonso has explained why he opted to sign for Liverpool over Real Madrid.
Alonso also reveals the ‘wow’ moment he felt that convinced him to join the Reds.
“That summer, there was a real interest from Real Madrid,” said Alonso.
“There were talks between the clubs, but it took so long.
“As it was taking so long I said ‘what’s happening, do they want me?’
“At that stage, Liverpool came with a real strong interest.
“When I felt that, I spoke with Rafa and Rick Parry (former chairman) came to try and sign me.
“I saw that real interest and I felt ‘wow’, it was very important for me.
“I changed my mind and I said ‘no, it has to be Liverpool’, because Rafa convinced me.
“I knew about the club and the city, but I didn’t know that much.
“For me, I was like ‘Xabi, this is going to be your first new experience’.
“I went there so open minded, ready to learn as quick as possible.”
Alonso added: “I felt that from the beginning I started well, and that was very important given the teammates were tough,” followed by a laugh with Carragher.
