XABI ALONSO has announced he will be retiring at the end of the season.
And with it he brings the curtain down on a storied career that includes a World Cup, two European Championships, two Champions Leagues and, uh… an FA Community Shield.
6Xabi Alonso has announced he will retire from football at the end of the seasonCredit: PA:Press Association
6Will any footballer ever be as cool as Xabi Alonso?Credit: Adidas Football/Twitter
Alonso said of his choice: “It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I believe it’s the right time.
“I always thought it would be better to quit sooner rather than later. I still feel good, but I believe this is the right moment.”
With that in mind, here are seven reasons why he will be remembered as one of the coolest footballers ever once he hangs up his boots.
He made Oktoberfest even better than it seemed
The annual German drinking festival attracts people from all over the world.
But it’s arguably Alonso who looks the best there (even if he is wearing lederhosen) especially with stunning wife Nagore Aramburu sat next to him.
6Xabi Alonso at Oktoberfest with his wife Nagore AramburuCredit: Getty Images
6Admit it, you could never pull this look off while Xabi Alonso clearly couldCredit: Reuters
6Xabi Alonso was the king of cool at OktoberfestCredit: Getty ImagesHe totally wasn’t bothered about taking the worst corner in Champions League history
Barcelona produced the greatest comeback in Champions League history last night.
But for the worst corner in the cup’s history, look no further than Alonso.
It was November 5 2015 and Bayern were beating Arsenal 1-0.
The Germans had a chance to make it two from a corner.
But Alonso, usually a sure bet with the ball at his feet, clattered the flag before he hit the ball.
Typically, he took it with good grace and even appeared to apologise to the flag for the inconvenience he caused.
He was a serial winner
Just take time to appreciate the list of trophies he has won: World Cup, Euros (two), Champions League (two), Bundesliga (two), La Liga, Copa del Rey (two), an FA Cup and many more.
6Xabi Alonso won the biggest of them all, the World Cup, in 2010 with Spain
