With Xabi Alonso confirming yesterday that he will retire at the end of the season, his ex-Liverpool teammate Jamie Carragher has revealed the advice the Spaniard gave him... that didn't really work.
Alonso and Carragher played in the same Reds side for five years, winning the Champions League, FA Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup together while at Anfield.
Alonso is one of the coolest footballers on the planet, but who else makes the list?
Gerrard posted an emotion tribute to the Bayern Munich midfielder earlier this afternoon and now Carragher has followed suit, admitting Alonso often told him to relax and use his brain.
Advert
However, the former England defender, also claimed it was advice that didn't always work as he earned a reputation for being tough in the tackle and a fiery character on the pitch:
Advert
Alonso could still lift the treble with Bayern in his final year as a pro.
The Bundesliga giants top the German league, are in the semi-finals of the DFB Cup and comfortably got through to the Champions League quarter-finals after beating Arsenal.
Several other stars have also paid tribute to the retiring World Cup winner since he made his announcement yesterday morning, including former Liverpool and Spain teammate, Fernando Torres.
Advert
This story was first featured on talkingbaws.com - simple, shareable sport. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football, Xabi Alonso, Liverpool FC, Jamie Carragher