Xabi Alonso has said deciding to leave Real Madrid for Bayern Munich is the hardest thing he has ever had to do.
Alonso has been confirmed as a Bayern player but said his goodbyes to Los Blancos at a Press conference held this morning.
The midfielder spoke before answering questions from reporters and in his statement gave an insight into why he had chosen to leave Santiago Bernabeu.
“I am very grateful for the loving words of Madrid. There have been five wonderful years,” AS report the 32-year-old as saying.
“It’s a sad day for a party because I close a wonderful stage that I really enjoyed. Now I open a new stage and it has been the most difficult decision of my life. I thought about it a lot.
“I wanted to be honest with myself and Real Madrid. You have to know when to say goodbye and this was for the best.
“I have to thank many people who helped me here. The treatment has been exquisite.
“I also thank the three Coaches I’ve had because I have been taught a lot and been given much importance in the biggest club. I was able to develop as a footballer.
“I also thank my colleagues because we have suffered, laughed and cried but we have won things, including the dream of La Decima.
“Thanks to all employees of the club for helping my family and making us feel at home.
“And of course the fans who respected me and gave me the love that every player needs. I will always be in the Madridista family.”
