Alonso: I'm Staying Put
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso will fight for his future at Anfield, even if Rafa Benitez succeeds in signing Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry…
The Basque playmaker has been widely tipped to leave Merseyside this season following an injury-ravaged and trophyless term.
Reports have suggested the 26-year-old is keen to return to Spain with his wife and child, Real Madrid having been mentioned as a likely destination.
But the former Real Sociedad man is adamant in his desire to stay and work for his place at Liverpool, even if Benitez adds yet more quality this summer to an already impressive central-midfield setup.
No Problem
“I think I will be here next season even if Barry comes,” Alonso said yesterday. “He would bring good competition and he would be more than welcome.
“He can play different positions and if he plays in midfield then I could play with him. I have no problem with that.
“My situation is that I am a Liverpool player and I am very happy here. I signed a new contract last year and that meant I wanted to stay.”
Clarification
Benitez spoke to Alonso on Saturday regarding reports in the Spanish press linking him with Los Merengues.
But the Spain international believes he still has an important part to play under Benitez, and insisted the former Valencia boss merely wished to discuss a minor detail in a particular article.
“He never told me he wanted me to stay because he doesn't need to tell me that,” Alonso said. “He just wanted to clarify something the story had said.
“If he wanted me to leave I would prefer him to be honest and say, 'Xabi, we are thinking about other players and you are not going to play that much.'
“Then I would look for a different option. But he still thinks I can play an important role.” |
發表於 2008-5-15 07:10 PM
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發表於 2008-5-15 10:39 PM
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