The star striker from FC Bayern Munich played last game of his career against Freiburg at Allianz Arena which resulted in a 4-1 victory for the Bundesliga title winners. Xabi Alonso says he will find it difficult to find a new challenge to replace football as he ends a glittering playing career.
His long list of trophies include two Champions League crowns six league titles including the current season across spells at Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern, as well as the World Cup European Championships with spain.
"I´m very satisfied to close my time as footballer. Inside there is a lot of emotion. There were moments I was about to break. The sensation I had today was a mix of emotion, nostalgia, melancholy and sadness, but at the same time happiness, it´s a lot of stuff and I don´t know how to process it." he told the reporters.
He added: "I accept I am going to miss playing because it's such an important part in my life. It's going to be difficult to fill that gap. Life goes on. New challenges for me, it's time to try it.
"It's a beautiful feeling. These memories will stay in our mind forever. I remember playing with my dad, and my kids will remember this as well."
As well as Alonso, Philipp Lahm brought his career to a close on Saturday, and despite the iconic figures departing, the midfielder believes things will get even better in Bavaria.
German defender Philipp Lahm also announced his retirement on Saturday with eight Bundesliga titles and one Champions League title along with the 2014 World Cup.
The 33 year old is still a great defender in the footballing world. And his retirement preserves a pretty unbelievable streak: Lahm made 517 appearances for Bayern and 113 for Germany without every being sent off, be it for a red card or two yellows.
Plenty of soccer legends have retired without ever being sent off. Michel Platini and Gary Lineker did it in a previous era when cards were fewer as player safety wasn’t as valued. Current stars Andres Iniesta, Karim Benzema and João Moutinho all have avoided ejection.
But Lahm was a defender, and a remarkably effective one at that. Gaetano Scirea is probably the greatest defender never to be sent off, and Lahm’s résumé rivals the beloved Italian legend who died in a car crash in 1989, shortly after retiring. And again, era comes into play.
Lahm was all class and skill. He made tackles without aggression, instead using pinpoint precision for his plays on the ball.
That’s why Lahm, a right back, was Germany’s captain in 2010, as a 26-year-old, and again in 2014 for the Cup team. He was a truly cerebral player, a perfect counterpoint to Germany’s offensively explosive younger generation.
"The future is good, the future is bright. Even with two big players leaving the club, they shouldn't have problems.
"There are still players in the team with experience and still young. For sure we are going to see Bayern next year fighting for everything." stated Team Management
His long list of trophies include two Champions League crowns six league titles including the current season across spells at Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern, as well as the World Cup European Championships with spain.
"I´m very satisfied to close my time as footballer. Inside there is a lot of emotion. There were moments I was about to break. The sensation I had today was a mix of emotion, nostalgia, melancholy and sadness, but at the same time happiness, it´s a lot of stuff and I don´t know how to process it." he told the reporters.
— Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso) March 9, 2017
He added: "I accept I am going to miss playing because it's such an important part in my life. It's going to be difficult to fill that gap. Life goes on. New challenges for me, it's time to try it.
"It's a beautiful feeling. These memories will stay in our mind forever. I remember playing with my dad, and my kids will remember this as well."
As well as Alonso, Philipp Lahm brought his career to a close on Saturday, and despite the iconic figures departing, the midfielder believes things will get even better in Bavaria.
German defender Philipp Lahm also announced his retirement on Saturday with eight Bundesliga titles and one Champions League title along with the 2014 World Cup.
The 33 year old is still a great defender in the footballing world. And his retirement preserves a pretty unbelievable streak: Lahm made 517 appearances for Bayern and 113 for Germany without every being sent off, be it for a red card or two yellows.
Plenty of soccer legends have retired without ever being sent off. Michel Platini and Gary Lineker did it in a previous era when cards were fewer as player safety wasn’t as valued. Current stars Andres Iniesta, Karim Benzema and João Moutinho all have avoided ejection.
But Lahm was a defender, and a remarkably effective one at that. Gaetano Scirea is probably the greatest defender never to be sent off, and Lahm’s résumé rivals the beloved Italian legend who died in a car crash in 1989, shortly after retiring. And again, era comes into play.
Lahm was all class and skill. He made tackles without aggression, instead using pinpoint precision for his plays on the ball.
If soccer’s not your sport, think of Lahm as sort of the equivalent of Andruw Jones. The former Atlanta Braves star was the best defensive outfielder of his era, but he did it by playing shallow and always breaking right on the ball. He used his precision to make plays no one else could. He camped under balls and set himself for throws, while Torii Hunter and Jim Edmonds ran through walls for highlight-reel catches.Another amazing season comes to an end and it was fantastic to celebrate it with you all. Thanks for all your support during my career 👍🏼 pic.twitter.com/stDF5dY1qC— Philipp Lahm (@philipplahm) May 20, 2017
That’s why Lahm, a right back, was Germany’s captain in 2010, as a 26-year-old, and again in 2014 for the Cup team. He was a truly cerebral player, a perfect counterpoint to Germany’s offensively explosive younger generation.
"The future is good, the future is bright. Even with two big players leaving the club, they shouldn't have problems.
"There are still players in the team with experience and still young. For sure we are going to see Bayern next year fighting for everything." stated Team Management
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