Xabi Alonso made feelings clear about Liverpool return after last Anfield visit

Xabi Alonso has been back to Anfield as a fan a number of times since leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid in 2009. But he’s only returned to the pitch on three occasions.

The first was in March 2015, when he was part of a Steven Gerrard-captained squad that drew 2-2 with Jamie Carragher’s XI in the Liverpool FC Foundation’s All-Star charity match.

Such occasions have since transitioned into annual legends matches, with Alonso twice returning again to take part.

Hanging up his boots in 2017, he dusted them off in March 2018 when Liverpool legends locked horns with Bayern Munich. He would play the first half for the Reds, before scoring a free-kick for the Bavarians after switching sides at half-time in an entertaining 5-5 draw.

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Meanwhile, he made his last legends outing in September 2022 when he captained Liverpool to a 2-1 victory over Manchester United.

The legends are back in action against Ajax next month, with seven members of the Reds squad, which will be managed by former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, already confirmed. While more will be revealed in the weeks ahead, it would perhaps be a surprise to see Alonso make another return.

While he had just hung up his boots and recently left his post as Real Sociedad B manager on his two previous visits, now he is in charge of Bayer Leverkusen and fully focussed on their efforts to win the Bundesliga for the first time in their history. Defeating Bayern Munich 3-0 on Saturday, they are currently enjoying an unbeaten season and sit five points clear at the top of the table.

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