FC Bayern complete Alonso signing
Munich - FC Bayern München have confirmed via their Twitter account that they have completed the signing of Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid CF on a two-year deal.
Illustrious career
The reigning Bundesliga champions
sealed a deal for Morocco defender Mehdi Benatia
from AS Roma on Wednesday, but coach Pep Guardiola was keen to strengthen his midfield in light of Javi Martinez, Thiago Alcantara and Bastian Schweinsteiger all being sidelined through injury.
Alonso, who only recently retired from international football after winning 114 caps for Spain, bid farewell to the current UEFA Champions League titleholders in a final press conference before arriving in Munich to complete a medical and sign on the dotted line. The 32-year-old midfielder joined Real from English Premier League giants Liverpool FC in 2009 after helping the Reds win the UEFA Champions League in 2005. He went on to make 236 appearances for the 2014 Champions League winners in all competitions, scoring six goals. The former Real Sociedad de Fútbol San Sebastian star was also part of the Spain squad that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championships in 2008 and 2012. Alonso called time on his international career on Wednesday following a disappointing World Cup campaign which saw Spain exit the tournament at the group stages.
