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If there were any doubts as to whether Xabi Alonso could be considered a Liverpool legend, they have surely been put to bed now after this superb retirement press conference.

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The Spaniard only spent five seasons at Anfield, but certainly made an impression by becoming one of their finest midfielders in the Premier League era.

Most notably, Alonso scored in that famous 2005 Champions League final win in Istanbul against AC Milan, then managed by Carlo Ancelotti, now his coach at Bayern Munich.

Lived it. Loved it. Farewell beautiful game. pic.twitter.com/1aSN7GGNzZ — Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso) March 9, 2017

Speaking about his career as he announced a decision to call an end to his playing days at the end of the season, Alonso took it upon himself to remind Ancelotti of one of his fondest memories at the expense of the Italian.




‘My first year in Liverpool – it’s a very special club… all the mystique, all the tradition, all the history of Liverpool… from the first day you realise how big it is,’ he said.

‘I was lucky enough to play a fantastic final… and to win that Champions League that most of the people will remember.’

Xabi Alonso honours Liverpool

Champions League – 2004/05

FA Cup – 2005/06

Uefa Super Cup – 2005

Community Shield – 2006 Real Madrid

La Liga – 2011/12

Champions League – 2013/14

Copa del Rey – 2010/11, 2013/14

Supercopa de Espana – 2012 Bayern Munich

Bundesliga – 2014/15, 2015/16

DFB Pokal – 2015/16

DFL Supercup – 2016 Spain

World Cup – 2010

European Championships – 2008, 2012

At that point the room erupted with laughter, with Ancelotti interrupting: ‘He knows that that cup is mine!’

Alonso added: ‘At least we had the chance to win it back together with Madrid as well. Hopefully we’ll have another chance.’

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