Bayern Munich sign Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso
Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich have agreed to a deal with Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid have confirmed in an official statement.
The transfer has come as somewhat of a shock for Real Madrid fans as the 32-year-old was a fan favourite, and despite an average season for the Blancos last season, Alonso was expected to leave the club as a free agent when his contract expires in 2016. The former Liverpool player had earlier signed a two-year contract extension in January.
Player statement
“Today is a sad day, I close a wonderful stage where we have achieved great things. These have been wonderful five years. Leaving Real Madrid has been the hardest decision of my life. I have to thank Florentino Perez for what he has given me in these 5 years.”
“I want to thank my teammates. We have suffered, cried and laughed together, but in the end we won La Decima after so many years. From day 1, the fans made me feel at home, gave me all the love that a player needs. I will always be part of the Madrid family.”
“I must be honest with myself, with the club, and this is the right moment. Bayern's interest started during the last 2 weeks. It was my decision to leave Real Madrid. No one in the club wanted me to leave. After La Decima a new era has begun. I needed a change.
“It has been an honor to be part of the club. I am a Madridista. Real Madrid have made a great signing with Kroos, a great player. I have to thank the fans of Real Madrid. They have shown their affection and off the field. Real Madrid's midfield is well covered – Luka [Modric], Toni [Kroos], Illarra [Asier Illarramendi], [Sami] Khedira, Isco. Real Madrid will be fighting for everything, no doubt. It is a great team.”
Club statement
“Real Madrid C.F. and Bayern Munich have reached an agreement for the transfer of Xabi Alonso. The player will speak to the media today (Friday) at 11:00h in the Santiago Bernabéu press room, alongside director of Institutional Relations, Emilio Butragueño.”
The move has been seen as a very-late exchange deal between the two clubs after Toni Kroos had previously joined Real Madrid in July. Alonso, who is taking a pay cut of almost €1m will cover for Javi Martínez who has been ruled out for a long time after suffering a knee-ligament injury.