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Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to their maiden Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 campaign, made over 200 appearances for the Real Madrid club as a player.
Xabi Alonso. (X)
Spanish legend Xabi Alonso, who was named the head coach of La Liga giants Real Madrid, following the departure of former gaffer Carlo Ancelotti, opined that he has inherited a side with quality players and is excited for the challenge ahead.
Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to their maiden Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 campaign, made over 200 appearances for the Spanish Capital city club during his days as a player and returns to the Santiago Bernabeu as a fan favourite.
“We have fantastic players, we have a team that has a lot of potential, and is capable of a very good present and a very good future,” Alonso said.
“That gives me a lot of reason to come here with a lot of energy and a lot of hope that I can get the best out of all the players and build a great team,” the World Cup-winner added.
“I have the conviction that we can achieve big things, worthy of Real Madrid, worthy of all these European Cups, of all these accomplishments made over so many years,” the 43-year-old continued.
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Alonso, who clinched six trophies with Madrid as a player including the UCL, during his stint as a player for the club between 2009 and 2014, stated that he was eagerly awaiting the opportunity to head back to Madrid, on his return to the club’s training ground.
“It’s a day I will have marked in my calendar for life,” continued Alonso.
“I have been away from here for a few years, but I think the link with Madrid and the fans has never ended, it’s always been there,” he said.
“And today, when I walked into Valdebebas an hour and a half ago, it was reborn,”
“I have the feeling that it’s the start of an era, as the president said,” the gaffer added.
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Real Madrid President Florentino Perez extended a warm welcome to Alonso, whom he termed one of their own, following the prodigal son’s return to Madrid.
“This is a very special day for those who love Real Madrid, it will be the start of a new era filled with excitement and intense emotions,” said Perez.
“A coach arrives who is one of the best in the world, and who knows what this badge and this shirt means,” the 78-year-old continued.
“Today we welcome one of our own — Xabi Alonso. Welcome back to your home, Real Madrid,” Los Blancos chief Perez said.
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