Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has denied reports that Chelsea had approached him about a move to west London.
The Madrid string-puller’s contract was into its final six months, but he has ended speculation by signing a new contract that will keep the 32 year old at the Bernabeu for at least another two years.
Alonso signed from Liverpool in 2009 for a fee of £30m and has since become a regular in a central midfied position, despite stiff competition. He has made 140 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring four goals in the process. His true value, however, lies in his ability to break up play and link up with the likes of Isco and Di Maria. His passing ability is sublime and this is what caught the eye of a number of clubs.
Rumours had circulated, predictably, that former club Liverpool were interested in bringing him back to Anfield but the insider talk was that Chelsea had lined up a move. It is known that Jose Mourinho has been in contact with Xabi, and was believed to have tried to convince Alonso to make the switch to Stamford Bridge, but speaking on Friday he put the record straight:
“I have a good relationship with Mourinho but he never said anything about going to Chelsea. There were no offers – I decided to stay and that’s it.”
Alonso also praised manager Carlo Ancelotti for supporting him during his recent injuries, saying that this had helped him decide to put pen to paper. Team mate Cristiano Ronaldo will be happy that the deal has been done. He had earlier described his team mate as “irreplaceable.”
