The longest running Summer transfer saga has finally come to a climax as Xabi Alonso sealed a £30million move to the Spanish capital. Real Madrid had long courted the former Real Sociedad, and Liverpool player and after intense negotiations the two clubs reached a deal.
It is believed that Rafa Benitez was initially holding out for £35million for Alonso, who was a fundamental component of Liverpool's title challenge last season. However a fee was eventually agreed between representatives of both clubs in Madrid on Tuesday.
Alonso 'Excited' By New Challenge
After passing his medical and signing a 5-year contract, the player revealed his excitement at finally securing his move.
Alonso said: "I felt it was right so I looked for a change, for a new experience, and when Madrid came in, that's when I decided to come back to Spain.
"It's an important step in my career to come to a club like Real Madrid.
"I'm very happy to be part of this club and I was very excited for this day to arrive.
"It's the best opportunity for me to develop as a footballer."
Alonso knows that this is his best chance yet to win that ever elusive league title he has been craving since joining Liverpool, after he could only manage the Champions League, and FA Cup under Rafa Benitez.
On his former club, the player continued: "I am very grateful to Liverpool fans, they were very warm during my five years. It will be really difficult to match their appreciation."
Alonso To Provide Balance And Stability
The signing of Xabi Alonso will finally ensure Real Madrid have the guile and the defensive balance which they have lacked since they surrendered Claude Makelele to Chelsea.
His influence will inspire confidence within the rest of the team, and offer Madrid the platform they have long been seeking to build their attacks.
The younger heads of Lassana Diarra, and Gago have a role model to learn from and forge an effective partenership with in midfield, one not too dissimilar Alonso shared with Steven Gerrard at Anfield.
Real Announce End Of Spending
Following the signing of Xabi Alonso, President Florentino Perez has brought the curtain down on a sensational summer of spending at Real Madrid after they easily eclipsed the £200 million mark.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema, Xabi Alonso, Raul Albiol, Esteban Granero, Alvaro Arbeloa, and young, talented striker Negredo have all been introduced to Real Madrid fans this Summer, and it promises to be an intriguing season for Los Blancos.
One thing is for certain; the Bernabeu is sure to be rocking, when Real kick off their league season at home to Deportivo La Coruna on August 30th.
