Xabi Alonso has reflected on his distinguished career, admitting that being knocked out of two Champions League semi-finals was painful.
The midfielder has been dumped out of Europe at the last four stage twice with Real Madrid.
And the Blancos veteran has admitted that those times were tough to take, as well as losing the League on the final day with Real Sociedad.
“In all sincerity, I don’t have any truly bad memories in football,” he told Club del Sportista.
“But it's true that in football there are moments of glory and moments of deep sadness. I remember when I was playing for Real Sociedad and we lost the lLeague at the very last moment in Vigo, which was hard.
“In recent years, playing for Real Madrid, being knocked out of the semi-finals of the Champions League was very painful, which is why our aim is to reach the final this year and put those defeats behind us.”
Alonso then commented on what it takes to be a leader in sport and who is best friend at Santiago Bernabeu is.
“I think a leader is born that way. It is true respect is earned through experience and hard-won prestige, which help build leadership, but it is easier to lead in a more natural way.
“I believe in born leaders, not in those who are supposed to be leaders.
“I am great friends with Álvaro Arbeloa, who I have shared much of my sporting career with, ever since we were at Liverpool right up till now at Real Madrid, as well as our success playing for Spain.”
