Rummenigge wants Xabi Alonso to return to Bayern: He would be a fantastic coach Bundesliga Spaniard has connection to the club

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has spoken of his admiration for Xabi Alonso, who played three seasons at the club before retiring, and has discussed the Spaniard's return to the club in a coaching capacity.

Alonso, 37, is currently studying for his coaching badges and is open to this new stage in his career.

"I would like him to return to Bayern sometime," Rummenigge said about Alonso to Kicker.

"[He will be a] fantastic head coach.

"Xabi radiates a natural authority, he has had great coaches, he speaks several languages.

"He is an extraordinary personality."

Rummenigge was a big fan of Alonso as a player, too.

"[Alonso was] the general in the middle of the pitch," he continued.

"He was attracted to the ball, he distributed the ball magnificently, sometimes slowed the game down, sometimes accelerated it.

"Xabi thought and played fast."

During his three seasons in Bavaria, between 2014-15 and 2016-17, Alonso played in 79 games and scored five goals.