Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will retire at the end of the current season when his contract at the club expires, say reports.
Reports in January hinted the 35-year-old would call it a day when his contract with the Bavarians expired at the end of the season, but now his trophy-laided career spanning seventeen seasons has been confirmed as ending this season.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I believe it’s the right time. I always thought it would be better to quit sooner rather than later. I still feel good, but I believe this is the right moment,” the Spaniard told FC Bayern’s official TV channel.
“I wanted to end my career still at the highest level, and Bayern is the highest level. I’m incredibly proud and happy to play for FC Bayern and to be a part of this family.
“I’ve experienced so much as a player with Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. They are all great clubs. And of course, with the Spanish national team. I never would’ve thought I’d have such a great career, and I hope there’s more to come before it ends.”
Alonso has helped Bayern to back-to-back Bundesliga crowns following his move from the Bernabeu in 2014 and is on course to make it three from three this season.
He started his career at Real Sociedad where he made over 100 appearances, including a brief loan spell at Eibar, before going on to win European Championship titles with Liverpool and Real Madrid, and also winning 114 caps for Spain, scoring six goals and winning three consecutive major trophies.
Despite his age, he is still a regular at the Allianz Arena and has racked up 106 appearances for the club, scoring nine times.
