Xabi Alonso arrived at Liverpool from Real Sociedad in 2004 as a fairly unknown entity, but in just a few years, the Spaniard had established himself as one of the finest midfielders in the world, winning the Champions League in his first season with the Reds.





Rafael Benitez was the man who brought him to Merseyside but it's been revealed that the now Newcastle manager was the catalyst in a falling out between the two which lead to Alonso's departure to Real Madrid.





Speaking to Spanish paper El Pais, the Bayern Munich midfielder said it was a disagreement over missing action due to the birth of his son that made him seek an exit.

“It was for the Champions League quarter-final squad against Inter...





"We were going into labour, and I told Rafa that I could not go. I would go when everything was fine.





“Take a plane and meet them there. He didn’t accept it. I had to make a decision and I decided to be with my family.





"It wasn’t easy, my job isn’t a normal job and it was not an ordinary game, however, I never have any regrets.

“If I hadn’t have done it then I wouldn’t have been present for the labour. By the way, we won 0-1 with a goal from [Fernando] Torres.”





Alonso announced this season that he will retire from playing after a glittering career which has seen him claim Europe's most prestigious trophies.





However, the Premier League always eluded him at Anfield and with a midfield containing him, Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano, it seems amazing that they did not win at least one.

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