Alonso upsets Chelsea and Liverpool by closing in on new Real deal
metro
Chelsea and Liverpool snubbed as Xabi Alonso decides to stay at Real Madrid
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been thwarted in his attempt to take Xabi Alonso with him from Real Madrid to Stamford Bridge.
The Special One wants the Spain World Cup winner to anchor his midfield as he seeks to take the Blues back to the Premier League summit.
Liverpool are also interested in a last ditch attempt to take Alonso back to Anfield but the 31-year-old is close to signing a one-year extension to his current deal, which expires next summer.
New Real boss Carlo Ancelotti regards Alsono as a key figure in his plans for both La Liga and the Champions League this season.
Alonso opened talks on new terms at the end of last summer but a groin injury, which is set to clear soon, held up the process.
The player is happy in Madrid, however, despite being linked with a return to England and insists he is looking forward to working with director of football Zinedine Zadane.
Alonso said: I think the new signings this summer have been good for the team and the important thing is that we have built a base.
Im sure each new player will contribute and the more options the coach has, the better. I think we know each other well. We have been together for some time now. We are feeling very good about the season and have the highest of expectations.
I have always admired him [Zidane] a lot. He is someone every footballer looks up to. Im very motivated about working alongside him because of everything he has achieved and experienced.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been thwarted in his attempt to take Xabi Alonso with him from Real Madrid to Stamford Bridge.
The Special One wants the Spain World Cup winner to anchor his midfield as he seeks to take the Blues back to the Premier League summit.
Liverpool are also interested in a last ditch attempt to take Alonso back to Anfield but the 31-year-old is close to signing a one-year extension to his current deal, which expires next summer.
New Real boss Carlo Ancelotti regards Alsono as a key figure in his plans for both La Liga and the Champions League this season.
Alonso opened talks on new terms at the end of last summer but a groin injury, which is set to clear soon, held up the process.
The player is happy in Madrid, however, despite being linked with a return to England and insists he is looking forward to working with director of football Zinedine Zadane.
Alonso said: I think the new signings this summer have been good for the team and the important thing is that we have built a base.
Im sure each new player will contribute and the more options the coach has, the better. I think we know each other well. We have been together for some time now. We are feeling very good about the season and have the highest of expectations.
I have always admired him [Zidane] a lot. He is someone every footballer looks up to. Im very motivated about working alongside him because of everything he has achieved and experienced.
