A fitting sendoff for a superb player. Enjoy your retirement Xabi.
We all knew that this day was coming but it's still not easy to say goodbye to one of the finest midfielders of his era, Bayern Munich's metronomic and too cool for school cult-hero Xabi Alonso.
In a glittering career that took in spells with Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern, the Spanish international has consistently been one of the finest players in the middle of the park as his passing, vision and ability to maintain possession is second to none.
Aside from his astounding collection of trophies and accolades, if you're looking for an indication of just how highly regarded Alonso is by his fellow professionals, these tributes from
Steven Gerrard,
Jamie Carragher and
more should do it.
Three Bundesliga titles, La Liga, domestic cup wins in Spain, England and Germany, 2 Champions Leagues, 2 European Championship, the World Cup and countless other accolades in a superb career.
Being the exemplary pro that he is, Alonso didn't let emotion get in the way of his job this afternoon as Bayern Munich hosted Freiburg.
Here's the former Liverpool hero being given an outstanding reception before the game started alongside Bayern's iconic defender, Philipp Lahm.
https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/865941092453289984
In typical Alonso fashion, a raking diagonal ball picked out Arjen Robben and the flying Dutchman did the rest to open the scoring.
https://twitter.com/sporttv_tv/status/865926933833539585
Robben turned from scorer to provider as Vidal doubled the advantage for the Bavarians, but the visitors hit back thanks to a goal from Petersen.
This being said, nothing was going to ruin Alonso and Lahm's final appearance as goals from Ribery and Kimmich wrapped up the win.
The final word though will go to two greats of the modern era.
17 major trophies for the Spaniard, 22 for Lahm, truly outstanding.
Take a look as Alonso and Lahm leave the field for the very last time.
https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/865954915570548738
https://twitter.com/si_soccer/status/865951319227498496
https://twitter.com/beINSPORTS/status/865950426679529472
https://twitter.com/beINSPORTS/status/865951324378062848
