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Real’s spending spree over
Published: 07 August, 2009, 11:13
Real Madrid players / AFP Photo / Genia Savilov
Spain’s Xabi Alonso has completed his £30 million move to big-spender Real Madrid from Liverpool. Sporting director Jorge Valdano said the capture of Alonso would signal the end of Real Madrid's spending spree.
The recent purchasing has seen the Madrid side splash out over €200 million in total with its player transfers.
Midfielder Alonso is the second Liverpool player to join the Spanish giants after full-back Alvaro Arbeloa's switched to Bernabeu in July.
With Alonso leaving the club, only Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher remain from Liverpool's 18-man squad that won the Champions League in 2005.
Alonso says his relationship with Rafa Benitez wasn't the main reason behind his departure.
”I know that a lot of things have been said, but it's not just that reason. There are a lot of reasons as well,” he said, before adding:
“It’s a personal challenge that I felt was necessary in my football career. At that stage I thought that it was good for me to have a change, to look for a new experience, to come back to Spain, it was a great chance for me. And, as I have said, Real Madrid was absolutely the best option for me, and I was lucky enough that they were interested.”
06.08.2009, 11:46
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