Xabi Alonso breaks silence on Real Madrid exit with brief 24-word statement

Xabi Alonso has responded to his Real Madrid exit with a brief statement.

The Spaniard’s surprise departure was confirmed by the club on Monday after just eight months in charge.

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Alonso had been appointed in the summer as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor on a three-year deal.

However, his time at the Santiago Bernabeu is already over following Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona.

Those results marked only the sixth loss of Alonso’s 34-match tenure, in which he won 24 matches across all competitions.

Confirming the move in a statement, Real Madrid said: “Real Madrid C. F. communicates that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as coach of the first team.

“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Real Madrid because he is a legend of Real Madrid and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.

“Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and all his technical team for their work and dedication throughout this time, and wishes them good luck in this new stage of their lives.”

His former team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as caretaker manager.

Alonso’s statement

Following the news of his exit, Alonso has now released a statement of his own.

In a message shared to social media, the 44-year-old wrote: “This professional stage is over, and it didn’t go as we would have liked.

“Coaching Real Madrid has been an honour and a responsibility. I thank the club, the players and above all the fans and Madrid fans for their trust and support.

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“I leave with respect, gratitude, and pride that I did my best.”

Alonso spent five years with Los Blancos as a player between 2009 and 2014.

In that time, he made 236 appearances for the club, scoring six goals.

The World Cup winner also won five major trophies including the Champions League and a LaLiga title.

Alonso returned to the club to start his coaching career with the academy having retired in 2017 aged 35.

Following his time with the Real Madrid youth teams, Alonso took charge of Real Sociedad B between 2019 and 2022.

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He was subsequently appointed manager by Bayer Leverkusen, securing his first senior managerial role.

Alonso went on to guide the German club to an unbeaten league and cup double during the 2023/24 season.