Alonso - I won't quit Reds

Liverpool midfielder non-plussed by reports of Real interest

By Alex Dunn - EXCLUSIVE   Last updated: 14th May 2008

Alonso - I won't quit Reds

Alonso: Committed to Liverpool

There has been no movement from Real Madrid. I am with Liverpool, I have a contract with Liverpool and I want to be at Liverpool.

Xabi Alonso
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Talk of an Anfield exit for Xabi Alonso is well wide of the mark, the Liverpool midfielder has exclusively revealed to skysports.com.

The Spaniard has had his preparations for the European Championships interrupted by reports emanating from both Spain and Italy suggesting his time on Merseyside could be drawing to a close.

Both Real Madrid and Juventus have been credited with holding a long-standing interest in Alonso, with talk of Gareth Barry's possible arrival at Anfield doing little to silence the rumour mill.

Rafa Benitez has spoken of how Barry's signing would be to complement rather than replace existing members of his squad, with the Reds boss alluding to the fact Aston Villa's captain is capable of occupying various positions and not just the central midfield berth favoured by Alonso.

It was only in June of last year that Alonso signed a contract extension that binds him to Liverpool until 2012 but to his exasperation, Spanish press repeatedly intimate that a return to his homeland is on the cards.

Committed

Alonso though remains fully committed to Liverpool and has no intention of swapping the Premier League for La Liga or Serie A any time soon.

"It surprises me because I know the real truth," Alonso told skysports.com, when quizzed on reports of an approach from Real Madrid.

"There has been no movement from Real Madrid, whether official or otherwise.

"At the moment I am with Liverpool, I have a contract with Liverpool and I want to be at Liverpool.

"I have been surprised and very disappointed to read that I want to leave Liverpool.

"The people who write these things have clearly not done very rigorous research."

Xabi Alonso was speaking to skysports.com courtesy of EA Sports. UEFA Euro 2008 from EA Sports is out now on PS3, Xbox 360 and PS2. For more information, please visit www.easports.com

Comments (11)

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Arun Nair says...

Alonso Rules! Rafa would be mad to sell him! Barry 6/10 Alonso 9/10!

Posted 19:42 23rd June 2008

Bleron Rep. of kosovo (Liverpool fan) says...

I think Xavi is one of players that really enjoys playing and living in Liverpool, therefore, I believe that he will be much focused in the next season, and it will be a season that will be remembered for years.

Posted 13:54 15th May 2008

Dan Thornton (Liverpool fan) says...

I am so happy he's staying i was suprised that there were reports of him leaving I'm not really bothered if Barry comes or not because I dont think we need him but Xabi should play more than he has this year because he is a fantastic player

Posted 13:37 15th May 2008

Ivor Lanning (Liverpool fan) says...

Well done Xavi and it's good that he's backed up a possible move for Barry. Xavi's kind of quality doesn't disappear in one season. Liverpool fans will be happy if he stays, he's always been fully committed to the club since day one.

Posted 11:02 15th May 2008

Christian Weber (Liverpool fan) says...

Xabi is a true red! He would never simply leave Liverpool like that. I enjoy watching him and he must stay if Liverpool want to do a title challenge.

Posted 11:00 15th May 2008

Terry Stewart (Liverpool fan) says...

I am glad Xabi has come out and clarified the fact that He is wanting to stay at Liverpool, He has shown in the last few months He has now got his head back on his game and it is onlt to be expected when you become a father for the first time for a while your world is not the world you once had and He had to get used to fatherhood and being a professional footballer. Xabis ability in keeping the ball and his range of passes is very important to Liverpools ability in winning games and along with Mascherano and stevie G they are very important to the club. If Barry joins from Villa He will strengthen the reds squad and can play at left back, centre half, holding mid, left mid so I am sure Xabi and co would welcome him into the club to hopefully push on next season and finally win the premiership.

Posted 09:42 15th May 2008

Gary Fitzgerald (Liverpool fan) says...

Thats it Xabi stay and fight for your place and become an Anfield Legend,Rafa is on the verge of making us great. Leaving Liverpool is a step backwards.

Posted 09:21 15th May 2008

Ryan Botterill (Liverpool fan) says...

This could possibly be the best news Liverpool fans will hear all summer. He is an exceptional player and when on top form could possibly be the best passer of a football in the world. He is the engine that begins most of Liverpools attacks and with Torres, Gerrard and the more improved Babel and hopefully a new winger will benefit from his pinpoint passing. His partnership in the centre with Masch in my opinion is one of the best there could possibly be

Posted 09:01 15th May 2008

Furo Kambi (Liverpool fan) says...

I think having both Xavi and Gareth in the Liverpool FC squad will only enhance the title aspirations of the Reds. If you ask me what the chances are of Xavi remaining at Liverpool FC I'd say for more years to come. All in all, smart move by Benitez trying to poach on Aston Villa's captain. That's if he can pull this one off. Summarily such a situation ie successful move by Gareth, will make competition for team spots keener which I think is what Liverpoolfc needs for every position.

Posted 08:37 15th May 2008

Haroon Nasar (Liverpool fan) says...

Xabi Alonso has made it clear that he wants to stay and so has rafa, barry has not come out saying he wants to stay. With barry hopefully coming who i can see playing on the left side, left back or even on the wing.look how many midfielders Man U have? you need a big squad if you want to win things. barry and bentley are the ones rafa should sign asap cuz others will be after them to and the price is just gonna go up and up.

Posted 23:38 14th May 2008

Faddi Lak (Liverpool fan) says...

i was so happy reading this article.....i as getting worried for a second that we were going to loose a world class player, i mean yse he has had a quiet season but thats cause of the face that he's coming back from injuries.....i would have him over barry anyday....ANYDAY

Posted 23:31 14th May 2008
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