Xabi Alonso has ended all the recent speculation surrounding his future, by signing a new contract to remain at Real Madrid until 2016.
The Spain international was due to become a free agent when his deal at Los Blancos expired in the summer, at which time there would have been no shortage of interest in his signature. Indeed, there were even suggestions he could move on this month, with Juventus and former club Liverpool believed to be monitoring his progress.
However, Alonso has ended all speculation over his future, by signing a new deal which will keep him in the Spanish capital for a further two years. Like many players in this day and age, the 32-year-old announced this news on his twitter page, posting a picture of the Bernabeu with a message which, translated into English, reads: ‘This will remain my house for two years more. A pleasure to inform you this. Very very happy Hala Madrid!!’
Alonso developed through the youth ranks at Real Sociedad before joining Liverpool in the summer of 2004 for a fee of £10million. The midfielder established himself as one of the best talents in England, helping the Reds win the UEFA Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup the following year, before signing for Real in a £20million deal in 2009.
So far during his time at the Bernabeu, he has collected a La Liga title and a Spanish Super Cup in 2012, a year after winning the Copa del Rey. The Tolosa-born ace has won a staggering 140 international caps for his country, and was part of their triumphant World Cup side of 2010 and European Championship winners of 2008 and 2012.
