:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53627695/94372670.0.jpg)
I had a wonderful conversation with someone on the internet once. It was around the time that Xabi Alonso left Real Madrid, and we were talking about how much we missed him at Liverpool. Somewhere along the line, we began talking about how Liverpool had clearly been Xabi’s One True Love™. With his retirement, it’s amply clear that Liverpool feels similarly about Xabi.
We’ve already talked about his career highlights here. Instead, let’s just look at other former Liverpool players talking about Xabi and try not to cry.
So lucky for sharing it with you in 3 different teams!! Thanks for everything "manoplas"!! LEGEND! #GraciasXabi https://t.co/ozN4FcvzIN
— Pepe Reina (@PReina25) March 9, 2017
Big congrats on a great career amigo @XabiAlonso! It was a pleasure to call you my team mate for three years #YNWA #legend pic.twitter.com/blFEaqiC6x
— Dirk Kuyt (@Kuyt) March 9, 2017
We’ve got the best midfield in the world. We’ve got Xabi Alonso, Momo Sissoko, Gerrard & Mascherano! A pleasure to play with you @XabiAlonso pic.twitter.com/TyBy3lIoPv
— Momo Sissoko (@sissokomomo) March 9, 2017
"The Pass Master" announces his retirement. Good luck my friend! Thanks for all the great passes you always found me @XabiAlonso
— John Arne Riise (@JARiiseOfficial) March 9, 2017
Was a pleasure playing with you hermano https://t.co/Eg4wD0aHS0
— Djibril Cisse (@DjibrilCisse) March 9, 2017
I think Steven Gerrard said it best when he gushed a fair bit about Xabi’s career and paid tribute to how bereft he’d felt when Xabi had decided to leave him and the rest of us behind for more Spanish pastures.
It’s been good, Xabi. It’s been good.