Xabi Alonso drops ice-cold farewell message as Madrid stint ends abruptly
Former Liverpool midfielder parts ways with Real Madrid after just eight months in charge, acknowledging things 'didn't go as we would have liked'
The curtain has fallen on Xabi Alonso’s brief tenure at the Santiago Bernabéu, with the Spaniard bidding farewell through a decidedly frosty social media statement.
Brief but telling goodbye
Alonso’s message was short and to the point, acknowledging that his time at the helm of Los Blancos had come to a premature conclusion. The former midfield maestro didn’t mince his words, stating that things “didn’t go as we would have liked” – a proper understatement if ever I’ve seen one.
His brief statement continued with a nod to the privilege of managing such a storied club, expressing gratitude to the players and supporters while emphasizing his pride in giving his best effort during his tenure.
Reading between the lines
What’s particularly telling about Alonso’s farewell is what’s missing rather than what’s included:
- No mention of club president Florentino Pérez anywhere in the statement
- Extremely brief message overall – not exactly the emotional goodbye one might expect
- Clear acknowledgment of failure without making excuses
Eight months and out
Alonso’s reign at the Bernabéu lasted just eight months after his much-heralded arrival from Bayer Leverkusen. His appointment had initially generated considerable excitement, but a significant downturn in form since November ultimately sealed his fate.
Family support
In a touching sidebar to the main drama, Alonso’s wife Nagore Aranburu also posted her own farewell message on social media, expressing pride in her husband’s work and gratitude for the support they received from Madrid supporters during their time at the club.
“We’re very proud of you and the work you’ve done every day, always with respect and commitment,” she wrote, adding that she and their children had supported both Xabi and the club “with excitement and gratitude” throughout.
The former Liverpool man now joins the growing list of managers who’ve discovered that the Madrid hot seat is about as comfortable as a night kip on the Northern Line. Another one bites the dust in football’s most demanding job.