XABI ALONSO claims he received no offers from Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City or Manchester United prior to signing a new contract with Real Madrid.
The Spain international, whose contract was set to expire at the end of the current campaign, signed a new two-year deal at the Bernabeu earlier this week after months of speculation over his future.
All four Premier League clubs were exploring the option of bringing the midfielder back to England, but Alonso, 32, revealed the only offer he received was from Madrid.
“There were no offers, I decided to stay and that’s it,” he said.
“I have a good relationship with Mourinho but he never said anything about going to Chelsea.”
Initial talks over a new deal brokedown before the new year with Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti admitting, at the time, that he was unsure over Alonso’s future.
Despite the uncertainty Ancelotti continued to pick Alonso, who has started Madrid’s last seven La Liga matches.
And fresh from signing that new deal, the former Liverpool ace is ready to repay Ancelotti for the faith shown in him.
“I want to keep playing at the level of Real Madrid,” Alonso added.
“I am happy here and Ancelotti is one of those who has pushed most for me to stay.
“His public support for me was also important in my decision to stay.”
© anu for Royal Times of Nigeria Newspaper, 2014. |
Permalink |
No comment |
Add to
del.icio.us
Post tags:
posted in Sports by anu