Alonso: An honour to play for Madrid

Xabi Alonso has spoken of what representing Real Madrid for the last five years has meant to him as he moves to Bayern Munich.

The 32-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the Bundesliga champions and held a farewell Press conference this morning.

Alonso began by reading some remarks on his time at Santiago Bernabeu before Emilio Butragueno added his thoughts as the club’s director of institutional relations.

Questions were then invited from the assembled reporters and first Alonso explained the timeline of the transfer.

“It’s fairly recent interest, in the last two weeks,” he revealed, according to AS.

“After winning La Decima I feel a new cycle has opened. I wanted to be honest and know when it was time to go.

“The club didn’t want me to leave and I have asked occasionally. They agreed but didn’t understand.

“[Criticism] has nothing to do with it. I always had confidence. This started before the first League match. I sensed the time had come.

“I need some motivation, like here with La Decima. To be at my peak I need that change. I need to be really motivated.

“From the outside it looks one way but from inside you realise the importance of Madrid. If you are here, you are something.

“It’s been an honour to be part of this club. It’s a very special home and my memories will be eternal. I’m another fan.

“I thank the fans for the respect and affection shown. Madrid is a club that plans things and the midfield stays well covered.

“There is a lot of balance and I don’t think you will notice my departure.”

Tags Bayern Munich Xabi Alonso
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