Alonso to hang up his boots at end of season
Bayern turn focus to league after Arsenal rout
>> BERLIN: Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso has announced he will retire at the end of the season, putting an end to a long and trophy-laden career that includes every major title for club and country.
“It was no easy decision,” the 35-year-old, who also played at Liverpool and Real Madrid, told Bayern Munich television on Thursday.
“But it was the right moment. I always wanted to end my career earlier rather than too late. I still feel good so I think this is the right time.”
The Spaniard started his career at Basque club Real Sociedad before moving to Liverpool in 2004 and establishing himself as a crowd favourite after scoring a 3-3 equaliser against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final.
Liverpool had battled back from 3-0 down and eventually won on penalties in one of the most spectacular comebacks in top-level football.
Alonso earned even more trophies at Real following a 2009 move, including another Champions League title to add to the Spanish League crown and two Spanish Cups.
Known for his passing game, vision and powerful shot as much as for his work ethic, Alonso became one of the most versatile midfielders of his generation, also winning the World Cup and two European Championships with the Spanish national side.
“I really lived it all. At Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich,” said Alonso, who joined the German champions in 2014 and has added two Bundesliga titles and a German Cup to his collection.
“Then there is also the national team. I never thought I would have such a great career and I hope there are still some more things to be added to those.”
Bundesliga leaders Bayern are chasing a treble of titles after advancing into the Champions League quarter-finals this week with a 10-2 aggregate demolition of Arsenal.
Bayern Munich, seven points clear at the top, host Eintracht Frankfurt while second-placed RB Leipzig entertain VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga this weekend.
Bayern have scored 25 goals in six games, notably notching up the 10-2 aggregate win over Arsenal.
Germany’s Jerome Boateng is set to make his first Bayern appearance after shoulder surgery.
Bayern drew 2-2 at sixth-placed Eintracht in October, but Frankfurt coach Niko Kovac has low expectations.
“If I can write the names of 18 fit players on the team sheet, I’ll be happy,” he said.
Defenders Michael Hector and Timothy Chandler, plus goalscoring captain Alex Meier are among those affected by a stomach virus.
Second-placed RB Leipzig hope t o have playmaker Naby Keita fit for today’s home match against Wolfsburg.
The Guinean midfielder injured his foot in last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Augsburg, but an MRI scan has revealed only bruising.
Leipzig’s top scorer Timo Werner, who has 14 goals, could pile more misery on Wolfsburg and new coach Andries Jonker, their third this season.
Hertha Berlin host Borussia Dortmund today.
Hertha suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at Hamburg last weekend and lost to Dortmund last month in a penalty shoot-out in the German Cup round of 16.
The teams also drew 1-1 in Dortmund last October.
Hertha face a busy afternoon trying to contain Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who has hit seven goals in three games, including a hattrick against Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday.