Xabi Alonso to retire in summer

Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso has announced his intention to retire from professional football the summer.


The 35-year-old Spaniard on Thursday tweeted a message that reads: "Lived it. Loved it. Farewell beautiful game."

Bayern also confirmed that the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder will retire in the summer shortly afterward.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I believe it’s the right time," he said. "I always thought it would be better to quit sooner rather than later. I still feel good, but I believe this is the right moment, Alonso told Bayern.tv live.

"I wanted to end my career still at the highest level, and Bayern is the highest level. I’m incredibly proud and happy to play for FC Bayern and to be a part of this family," he added,

Alonso who began his career with Real Sociedad in 2009, moved to Liverpool in 2004, where he won the 2005 Champions League and 2006 FA Cup before leaving for Real Madrid in 2009, winning La Liga in 2011-12, the 2014 Champions League and the Copa del Rey on two occasions.

He joined Bayern in 2014 and won Bundesliga titles in his first two seasons  and won the DFB Pokal last season.

Alonso has also enjoyed great success with Spain, winning the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships before retiring from international football in 2014.