Alonso: I left because of Benitez

Xabi Alonso has revealed he decided to leave Liverpool last summer after Rafa Benitez wanted to sell him.

The Spaniard, who joined Real Madrid for £30million this summer, admitted his mind was made up after Benitez wanted to sell him in order to raise cash to buy Gareth Barry.

Alonso said: “Last summer when the club proposed I had to be sold to get funds to sign new players it was a difficult moment to accept.

“I accept it as a professional but that moment probably changed my mind and I thought maybe from that moment it was maybe time for a change.”

Alonso admits his relationship with Benitez went downhill after he skipped Liverpool’s clash with Inter Milan to be with his family for the birth of his child.

“There has been a lot of rumours but I have always said that it has been simply a professional relationship,” he added.

“I have always tried to do what he asked me to do, to try to deliver on the pitch, to do the talking on the pitch.

“When the birth of my child happened, I had to take a decision. I had to be with my family because it was a very important moment.”

“It was a tough call and a very difficult decision to make,” he added on leaving Liverpool.

“I’ve been lucky enough to experience wonderful nights at Anfield. To experience the support of probably the best fans in the world.

“That’s why I’ve always been very grateful and I will always have them in my mind. It’s been an absolute pleasure.”

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1. lfcfan says:

   3rd September, 2009 at 11:02 am

   thanks for playing for us i believe you since thats how crouch got sold, he did what any manager wants which is to score when he comes on and crouch always scored but he still got sold?

   Reply
2. abdulahi says:

   3rd September, 2009 at 3:58 pm

   man we miss and i agree with you and If I was you I would done the same but how liverpool fans how could you club that has over billions for only one man rafa banatiz come on man I hope aquilani is back play better then everyone else in epl good Liverpool good luck XABI

   Reply
3. lp16 says:

   4th September, 2009 at 6:08 am

   The owners wanted to dump Rafa behind his back. How did he react? He fought back and made us stronger. Xabi could have fought back but I’m sensing he’s using Rafa as an excuse or justifies his desire to move to Real.
   No one (and that includes Rafa) is bigger than the club. Rafa demands absolute loyalty from his players. He stayed with the club even though his dad passed away. Xabi deserted him when he wanted to witness the birth of his son. From here we can see how committed both of them are to LFC. I’m not saying Xabi is no good or wrong. He has been wonderful for us; the best player last season but he has been awful the previous season. ….
   Rafa developed him to be one of the best midfielders around. Virtually unknown outside Spain, he’s now a Galaticos with Real. I guess he got a huge pay check to match too. All because Rafa showed faith in him.
   All the best Xabi, for your wonderful contribution. Willl never forget Istanbul…. I just hope that Rafa got a able replacement in Aqualani.

   Reply
4. Didi says:

   7th September, 2009 at 5:26 pm

   I totally effin agree with lp16.

   I love you Xabi i really do, but i honestly think you used Rafa as an excuse. I do not doubt your ability at all, but without Rafa who knows where you’ll be. You owe him a lot mate. Real Madrid is ofcourse tempting for anyone, but it’s lure is also a test of committment and loyalty. I’m sorry, but you simply failed. If you had stayed…god who knows. You prob wud have had a similar status to those homegrown like stevie g and carra, but pity. I am gutted.

   Loves and miss you, but don’t pull an owen in a year years and join Man Utd or anth aite? that will like deminish every last ounce of respect i still have for you like did with Owen

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