Alonso admits Juve liking

Liverpool schemer could be heading to the Old Lady

Last updated: 7th June 2008

Liverpool training xabi alonso ball juggle April 2008

Alonso: Juve switch on the cards

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Xabi Alonso admits he is flattered by Juventus' interest in him, amid speculation his switch from Liverpool to Serie A could soon be completed.

The classy Liverpool schemer is currently preparing for Spain's Euro 2008 bid against a backdrop of ongoing uncertainty over his future.

Earlier in the summer he rejected out of hand reports that have linked him with a return to Spain, with Real Madrid credited as holding a long-standing interest in his services.

But when quizzed on Juventus, who Liverpool are engaged in discussions with, Alonso conceded it would be an honour to wear the prestigious black and white stripes.

Historic club

"I know the Bianconeri follow me," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport from Spain's training camp.

"I know there has already been contact with Liverpool and my agent too.

"I can say that I am really proud to be linked with a strong and historical side like Juventus."

Alonso went on to his express his admiration for those players that stayed in Turin despite Juventus' demotion to Serie B for the part they played in a match-fixing scandal.

Admiration

"I know what happened at Juve," he added.

"For this reason I have big respect for (Alessandro) Del Piero, (Gianluigi) Buffon, (Pavel) Nedved and (David) Trezeguet - big champions who had the courage to play in Serie B.

"This is something I like a lot. After four years in La Liga and four years in England, playing in Italy would be like completing my career."

Comments

Dwain Clark (Liverpool fan) says...

It'll be sad to see Xabi go, and what worries me the most is that were looking to Gareth Barry to replace him! Good luck Xabi!

Posted 13:45 7th June 2008

Nathan Brown (Arsenal fan) says...

I think Xabi is a quality player with a lot to offer, and Juve would be getting a good deal by getting him for around the 10 million mark. However, Liverpool's lack of depth was exposed this season - akin to Arsenal, and I think Rafa could be making a mistake by letting him go. Gareth Barry may not have the heart to leave Aston Villa right now, and I just dont think that Lieva has enough experience, and while Mascherano has been quality this season - in the event that he gets injured; it leaves little quality in the centre of midfield. Gerrard will always play, but I also think that Xavi's distribution of the ball and intelligence gives Liverpool something Mascherano's bullfighting qualities don't. Keep Xabi Rafa!

Posted 13:09 7th June 2008

Alan Foley (St Mirren fan) says...

If Rafa sells Alonso it proves that he has no interest in turning Liverpool into a side that can play football

Posted 12:28 7th June 2008

K J (Liverpool fan) says...

A bit sad to see a pro like Xabi go... It looks a certainty now... he's been a good player for us over the past 4 years even though he hasn't been at his best this season but a great servant to LFC. I still hope he stays but I think Rafa wouldnt mind cashing in to get a top centre forward. Wish him all the best for the future.

Posted 11:55 7th June 2008

Reza Ali (Manchester United fan) says...

Alonso is a marvellous footballer...great passer and distributor as well as a competent tackler...he would be a real loss to the scousers...

Posted 11:29 7th June 2008

Waqar Ali (Liverpool fan) says...

Rafael Benitez must be stupid to let Alonso leave, he is a world class midfielder and can form a great partnership with Barry in the heart of the Liverpool midfield, if Barry joins Liverpool obviously.

Posted 11:19 7th June 2008

Tom Hevizi (Liverpool fan) says...

Would be absolutely gutted to see Xabi leave the club but i think Gareth Barry would be a world class replacement.

Posted 11:08 7th June 2008

Daniel Finn (Liverpool fan) says...

Xabi has been an excellent servant for Liverpool, his pen in the 2005 champions league final being one of his greatest moments for the club, but sometimes a player needs a change to get the best out of him. He has had a few injuries and has been out of form. We will miss him but we need to move forward if we are ever going to win the league. Gareth Barry will be an excellent replacement and will complement the midfield with Gerrard and Mascherano.

Posted 11:07 7th June 2008

Tom Reed (Liverpool fan) says...

I can't believe Benitez is thinking of letting Xabi go. He is a class act with unbelievable passing and does a lot for our team. It looks as if we are going to sell to raise the funs for Barry, i personally think this is a stupid move Xabi is better than Barry and younger why try buying Barry just keep Alonso!

Posted 11:06 7th June 2008

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