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Xabi Alonso Has One Major Career Regret

Xabi Alonso Has One Major Career Regret

The mercurial Spanish heart throb will retire at the end of the season

Joe Baiamonte

Joe Baiamonte

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.

Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso

Alonso became a hero to Liverpool fans during his five years 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 £30m, 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."

Alonso Gerrard
Alonso Gerrard

One of the Spaniard's greatest successes - winning the 2005 Champions League with Liverpool. Image: PA

In fairness, when you consider that Alonso has still lifted four league titles in two countries as well as two Champions Leagues, it's not exactly a set of missed opportunities that is going to cause him any sleepless nights. He will retire as one of the most decorated footballers of all time and has undoubtedly earned every minute of his retirement.

(H/T Metro)

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football, Xabi Alonso, Liverpool FC