It may be eight years since Xabi Alonso last pulled on a Liverpool jersey in a competitive game, but the soon to be retired Spanish midfielder is still a beloved hero at Anfield.
And the Bayern Munich star could have remained on Merseyside for a while longer had it not been for a falling out with then manager Rafa Benitez.
Back in 2009, it was believed that Benitez was favouring a move for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry, who he had identified as a replacement for Alonso. However, that move never matieralised and injury plagued Alberto Aquilani arrived in a failed attempt to fill the Real Madrid bound midfielder's boots.
Alonso was one of Benitez's most vital players during his time at Anfield. Image: PA
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But in the eight years that have passed since Alonso's £30m move to the Bernabeu, it has never been revealed as to why the 35-year-old fell out with Rafa Benitez in the first place.
In his five years at Anfield, Alonso cemented himself as one of Benitez's key players, forging a terrific partnership in the centre of the park with captain Steven Gerrard. The former Real Sociedad man was one of the Reds' best and most vital players, cherished by fans and teammates alike.
But a Champions League quarter-final tie with Internazionale in 2009 spelled the end for Alonso at Anfield.
When you hear your boss wants to replace you with Gareth Barry. Image: Bayern Munich
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Speaking to El Pais, the World Cup winner revealed that the birth of his son led to the disintegration of his relationship with Benitez.
"It was for the Champions League quarter-final squad against Inter,"We were going into labour, and I told Rafa that I could not go. I would go when everything was fine.
"Take a plane and meet them there. He didn't accept it. I had to make a decision and I decided to be with my family.
It wasn't easy, my job isn't a normal job and it was not an ordinary game, however I never have any regrets.
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"If I hadn't have done it then I wouldn't have been present for the labour. By the way, we won 0-1 with a goal from [Fernando] Torres."
Imagine ever wanting to sell this bloke. Image: PA
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Given that Benitez would lose out on Gareth Barry to Manchester City and end up with a £20m flop in Aquilani, maybe the Spanish manager should have accepted Alonso's decision to be with his family at such an important time, instead of losing one of his finest players.
A year later the now Newcastle United manager would be relieved of his duties at Anfield and would go onto endure a miserable six month reign in charge of European and Italian champions Inter, who also parted company with him prematurely.
Alonso, meanwhile, would go onto lift a La Liga title, a Champions League and a Copa Del Rey with Real Madrid, before moving to Bayern, where he has won two Bundesliga titles and a DFB Pokal. Alonso has announced he will retire at the end of this season.
(H/T 101 Great Goals)
Topics: Rafa Benitez, Xabi Alonso, Liverpool FC