Real Madrid Spaniard spoke with MARCA

Even though he retired six months ago Xabi Alonso is still ready to play football, but one thing he has found hard to understand since giving up the game is the pessimism that exists at his former club Real Madrid.

Zinedine Zidane's side became the first in the modern era to retain the Champions League, which Alonso feels is deserving of more respect that the boos and whistles which routinely greet the players at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

What do you think of Zidane, whom you recently met in Moscow?

"He has great merit. How he has managed everything, having the players focused in important moments. It comes from winning the Champions League and titles. I don't understand the pessimism that exists there."

How do you see Cristiano?

"As always, I'm sure he will be there at the decisive moments of the season, with desire and enthusiasm to continue scoring goals and winning titles."

What do you base your optimism for Real Madrid on?

"I'm optimistic because the team and the players are very good. Football is a lot to do with mental state. Barcelona have dropped another two points and have to come to the [Estadio Santiago] Bernabeu. Also, the second part of the season can start in a very different way. If that happens, the league is alive again. These things happen."

Surely now, away from the day to day rigours of football life, you can enjoy being with the family a lot. What is normal life like for Xabi Alonso?

"Now I have the luxury of being able to manage my time and do what I like. Sport, going to a restaurant with my wife, to travel. At weekends we take advantage of them to go on trips... I don't have a routine as I have the freedom to decide what I want to do."

That sports routine includes playing football?

"No no, I play with my son only. Since my last game against Freiburg in Munich, I haven't played a match."

What sports do you practice?

"Running, tennis, football - but not a game situation."

And do you watch football?

"Yes, watching football is what I do. It looks very different to me. When you are there, involved, everything affects you and your team. Now that I see it as a spectator, I enjoy the teams, how they play, and I'm much more relaxed."

Do you ever have thoughts of getting up one morning ready to go back to training?

"No, never. I have closed the book and that's it."

Do you see possibilities of Spain repeating the 2010 World Cup triumph?

"I don't see any team better than the Spanish one. Germany are fine, the Brazilians are good, but better? There are none."

Were you sorry to see Buffon cry after Italy's elimination?

"Yes, yes, because he gave everything. He is so admired and respected that it hurts. Football gives many joys and sorrows and he is a champion. That's why everyone admires him."