Alonso comes from serious footballing lineage. Both his father and grandfather played for Spain, so it is no surprise the game was integral in his upbringing, which he recalls containing plenty of joyful footballing memories and some tricky times, too…



I first played in a team when I was seven or eight years old. I used to play five-a-side when I was at school. I was a striker.

This was in Santander in the north of Spain. I spent a couple of years there when my father was manager there.

We were champions of the local province. It was great. I am still in touch with the guys I used to play with. One of my team-mates at that time was Sergio Canales. When I left Real Madrid he came, and then we have played together in the national team. But we are all still in touch - the best thing is the friendships you make along the way.