Xabi Alonso: I left Liverpool because I needed change

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has revealed he left former club Liverpool to join Los Blancos in 2009 because he needed a change of scenery.

The 32-year-old spent five years on Merseyside and was part of Rafa Benitez’s team that won the famous Champions League final against AC Milan in 2005 when the Reds came from 3-0 down at half time to win on penalties.

Alonso joined Madrid in a 35 million euro deal after appearing more than 200 times for the Anfield side, and Benitez took much criticism over the sale. But speaking to France Football, the World Cup winner said it he was his decision to move to the Spanish capital.

“After five years at Liverpool I needed a change and what could be better than joining Real Madrid, the largest and most demanding club,” he said.

He added: “It was the right moment to seize the opportunity. Everyday life in Madrid is tougher than in any other team. They demand win, win again and also play well. I wanted to see if I was able to match such a challenge.”

Alonso missed the early part of this through injury, and after the signing of Asier Illarramendi, there was some speculation he would leave the club at the end of the campaign. But he recently penned a new two-year deal at the club, securing his immediate future with the nine-time European Cup winners.

However, when discussing his long-term plans, he refused to rule out anything, including a possible stint in the US.

“Moving to the USA? I don’t reject that in the future. We will see how I feel in two years’ time. I don’t discount anything – Europe – Real Sociedad or staying longer at Real Madrid if I notice that I still have the physical abilities,” he stated.