Back in March this year, Xabi Alonso shocked world football when he announced his intentions to retire at the end of the current season.
In a typically classy fashion, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder wrote: "Lived it. Loved it. Farewell beautiful game." on his personal Twitter, which has since received over 150k retweets.
It was the perfect message to those who were fortunate enough to see the silky Spaniard in his prime.
A total gentlemen, both on and off the pitch, La Barba Roja ("The Red Beard") was, and still is, one of the best around on his day.
Alonso gave us another glimpse of his ability on the pitch when he produced a ridiculous 'no-look nutmeg' on Zinedine Zidane back in 2013.
The 35-year-old proceeded to high-five the now Real Madrid manager, but Zidane's face when shortly after the ball went through his legs is priceless.
Yesterday, Alonso revealed his career regrets in an interview with The Times:
With a World Cup, two European Championships, two Champions Leagues, three Bundesliga titles, a La Liga title, a couple of Copa Del Reys and an FA Cup to his name, it's hard to believe Xabi Alonso has any career regrets.
But the soon to be retired Spanish midfielder has revealed that he does indeed have a few nagging failures that still bother him.
The 35-year-old, who recently claimed his third Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, the final trophy he will lift before calling time on an astonishing 18 year career, still wishes he could have ended Liverpool's league title drought during his time at Anfield.
Image: PA
Alonso spent five seasons with the Reds, lifting the Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup in 2006, but was only part of one team who ever mounted anything close to resembling a Premier League title challenge, when Rafa Benitez's side finished second to Manchester United in 2009.
A few months later and Alonso would be sold to Real Madrid for ยฃ30m, being left to rue a missed opportunity to help Liverpool back to the top of the pile in English football.
Speaking to The Times, Alonso revealed his regrets, which also include missing out on the 2003 La Liga title with Real Sociedad and never lifting the Champions League with Bayern Munich.
"Maybe I have three (regrets). With Real Sociedad, my club, we were one game from winning La Liga (in 2002-03). With Liverpool we were so close to the Premier League. With Bayern, so close to the Champions League.
"But maybe that would be too much to ask, too perfect. If you can call them regrets ... but that's just football.
"When I look back, I can be happy that I've done what I wanted, dictated my path."
Image: PA
Xabi Alonso will retire as one of the best midfielders of our generation. Even now he is producing game after game, and no doubt he could play on for another three years.
What a player. Thank you, Xabi.
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