Xabi Alonso: "Real Madrid is the best club that I could be at"
Xabi Alonso spoke about his recent contract extension until 2016 in an interview with the club’s media channels. The Whites’ midfielder wanted to "say thank you for the support and affection" to the fans and spoke about his ambitions for the next two seasons: "I am very happy about staying here, where I feel at home, for two more years and hopefully win lots of titles". In addition to talking about current going-on and aims for this season, the player from Tolosa was clear about his reasons for renewing: "I knew that this was the best place for me, the best club that I could be at. The support of the fans, teammates, how the club has acted, the day-to-day ... everything has convinced me".
Xabi, two more years at Real Madrid. How do you feel about the renewal?
Very good, very happy. It was a huge decision for me and my family. I'll be here for two more seasons and I'm very excited, motivated and committed to the club. Now I have to work hard, try to play well and see if we can win titles at the end of season.
What were the main reasons that you renewed?
I knew this was the best place for me; it was a very important decision and I didn’t want to take it lightly. Lots of small things have been adding up and convinced me to stay here. The support of the fans, teammates, how the club has acted, the day-to-day ... everything has convinced me. I am very happy with the decision that we have made. Those three things; the club, my teammates and the support that I've had from the fans, were very important. Also, my family are very happy in Madrid.
Your renewal is like a late Christmas present for the fans.
It is me that got given the present. To stay here and have the support and respect of the fans is very important at a great club like Real Madrid. What I have to do is to keep going as I am and not change.
After five years at Real Madrid, the Bernabéu is like home now.
Yes, I have been gradually feeling more and more at home since I arrived. I’ve been here for five seasons, I'll be here for two more and I'll have this feeling for the rest of my life. In the same way that when I left Real Sociedad and Liverpool, I kept that feeling. Real Madrid means a lot to me and I consider here to be my home.
The decisive part of the season is approaching...
We want to achieve everything. We know how hard it is but we are ambitious. One thing at a time, but without prioritising any competition. La Liga and the Champions League mean different things but actions speak louder than words. It's time keep trying to improve on the field because the decisive matches come from February onwards and we have to be prepared.
How is the squad doing?
We're doing well. We have to take things one match at a time, but that is the best recipe for getting to March and April, the decisive part of the season, with a chance of winning everything.