BIOGRAPHY AND CAREER
Xabier "Xabi" Alonso Olano born 25 November 1981 in Tolosa, Basque Country is a Spanish World Cup-winning footballer who currently plays for La Liga team Real Madrid.
Alonso began his career at Real Sociedad,the main team of his home region: Gipuzkoa. After a brief loan period at SD Eibar returned to the La Liga club. John Toshack appointed Alonso as his team captain and Alonso succeeded in the role, taking Real Sociedad to second place in the 2002–03 season. He moved to Liverpool in August 2004 for £10,5 million. He won the UEFA Champions League in his first season at the club. The following season he won the FA Cup, and subsequently also the FA Community Shield. He moved to Real Madrid for the start of the 2009–10 season, in a deal worth around £30 million. Internationally, Alonso has represented Spain in the Euro 2004, Euro 2008 tournaments and in the 2006 World Cup and 2010 World Cup. He made his international debut in April 2003 in a 4–0 victory against Ecuador. He won the Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup with Spain.
He holds the record for the longest-range goal ever scored in open play in the Premier League, being some 61 yards away from Steve Harper's line when he netted against Newcastle United in 2006. The season before, he scored from 78 yards with an effort against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in the FA Cup.
Alonso was born into a family known for its footballing prowess. His father, Periko Alonso won the La Liga twice in successive seasons with Real Sociedad and a third time after he moved to FC Barcelona. He also featured in the national team, winning 20 caps over the course of his career. Born in Tolosa, a small Basque town, Xabi Alonso lived in Barcelona for the first six years of his life and moved to San Sebastián thereafter. It was here that his passion for football began as he whiled away his childhood playing at Playa de la Concha (Shell Beach). On the Basque sands Alonso befriended a fellow resident of Calle Matia, Mikel Arteta, and the two would battle each other in exhibitions of technical ability.He was immersed in football and his father would often bring him and his older brother, Mikel, to CE Sabadell's training ground to practise together. Alonso was influenced by his father's playing, taking more pleasure in passing the ball well than shooting at goal.At an early age he decided to play as a defensive midfielder: a role which helped him learn how to distribute the ball well. This talent would later prove to be an integral part of his club and international career.
When he was 15, Alonso went to the Irish town of Kells on a school exchange programme to learn English. During his time there, he played gaelic football and developed a keen interest in the sport.
Alonso and Arteta were ambitious and dreamed of playing alongside each other for Real Sociedad when they were older. Though they attended different schools, the two young players joined forces at the local youth side Antiguoko, playing games at the weekend. Their performances attracted the attention of scouts from top Spanish sides and the young Donostiarras separated ways, ending nine years of friendly rivalry, as Alonso went to Real Sociedad and Arteta moved to Catalan giants Barcelona. However, Alonso's move to Real Sociedad was not a companionless one as he was joined by his older brother Mikel Alonso who had also become an adept player.
Alonso progressed through the youth ranks and the reserve team at Real Sociedad and impressed enough to earn a first team debut at the age of 18. He made his first senior appearance against CD Logroñés in December 1999 in a Copa del Rey match.Alonso failed to make another appearance in the season but the following year brought more opportunities. At the beginning of the 2000–01 season, Javier Clemente sent Alonso to Segunda División team SD Eibar to gain experience. Alonso's father particularly felt the move to the smaller club improved him as a player. However, a quick turnover of managers, including a two month period with Periko Alonso in charge, left Real Sociedad in a dire situation. By January 2001 Real Sociedad were bottom of the league and the new manager, John Toshack, turned to the prodigious Alonso in the hope of reversing the team's fortunes. In a surprise move, the Welsh manager made 19 year old Alonso the team captain, a position traditionally held by more senior players. By the end of the season Sociedad had climbed out of the relegation zone and finished in 14th place.Toshack lauded Alonso, noting that the impression he had on the team was exceptional, especially for a player from the youth-team.
Personal information
Full name :Xabier Alonso Olano
Date of birth: 25 November 1981 (1981-11-25) (age 29)
Place of birth: Tolosa, Spain
Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Playing position: Midfielder
Club information
Current club: Real Madrid
Number: 14
Senior career*
1999–2004 Real Sociedad 119 (9)
2000–2001 → Eibar (loan) 14 (0)
2004–2009 Liverpool 143 (15)
2009– Real Madrid 60 (3)
National team‡
2000 Spain U18 1 (0)
2002–2003 Spain U21 9 (0)
2003– Spain 82 (9)
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