“My idea was to stay in Madrid. Then, when I heard of Munich's interest...” — Xabi Alonso Quote

My idea was to stay in Madrid. Then, when I heard of Munich's interest, I said, 'Xabi, think what you want and where you will be happy.'

I accept I am going to miss playing because it's such an important part in my life. It's going to be difficult to fill that gap. Life goes on.

Madrid is a big city. It's very dynamic and cosmopolitan.

I've said a few times the Bundesliga is closer to the Premier League than the Liga.

I grew up a lot as a professional and as a person in Liverpool, and I have very strong links to the club and the city.

Obviously I want to be a starter and to win things with Real Madrid.

Pique loves to talk, he loves the sound of his own voice, we all know that, he always talks about how much he enjoys the rivalry between Madrid and Barca, and is always trying to rile us.

Real Madrid is much more than I expected. I love waking up in the morning and going to Valdebebas.

I left for Madrid at 20 years old and I didn't really know how it would go.

Real Madrid are a team of winners.