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“I am proud and feel honoured to be part fo Real Sociedad’s centenary celebrations,” said Alonso, “It is a very happy coincidence to play my first match in Spain with Real Madrid at Anoeta. It will be an important match in Real Sociedad history and it will be very special for me too.” 

Alonso arrived in San Sebastian when he was 6 years old. Alongside friend Mikel Arteta (now at Everton), he dreamed about becoming a professional player someday. His first team was Antiguoko and his excellent performances there allowed him to sign for Real Sociedad, where he became a very promising acedemy player. He was loaned out to Second Division side Eibar to continue growing as a footballer, eventually becoming a first team player in 2001.

The midfielder vividly remembers a match against Real Madrid in the 2002/03 season that Real Sociedad won 4-2. “That was a very special match. We took the leadership from them that day. I’ve never enjoyed myself more than in the first half of that game. It was incredible to score four goals against a side with men like Zidane, Ronaldo, Raul and Figo. It was incredible. We played brilliantly.”

Alonso joined Liverpool in 2004, where he made a name for himself. The fans at Anoeta have always been fond of him and will doubtlessly cheer him on on Saturday.

http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1202778122629/noticia/Noticia/Xabi_Alonso_returns_home.htm

How did you think Guti and Xabi Alonso did together?
I am satisfied with Guti’s performance. The game was very tense in the first half and it showed both positive and negative things on our part, like all our other preseason matches.

Why was the first half more intense?
Because we pressurised more in attack. Our markings were shorter and more intense. It wasn’t useful to us to play the same way in the second half and an improvement was important. We had to integrate Xabi Alonso, Kaka and Arbeloa, who had just played with their national teams. The same goes for Pepe. All these things were useful.

Are you satisfied with your team’s work in defence?
I am happy because Real Sociedad hardly had any chances on our goal. Our defensive line kept structured when we moved back and forth and that’s very important.

Have the new players adapted as you expected them to?
Yes, absolutely. The preseason has gone according to plan. This week has been somewhat special due to the arrival of our internationals and it was important for them to integrate quickly in this game.

Do you believe the team liked itself in the second half?
Our plays were maybe flashier and we tried to do more things. But what matters is that every line works well; that’s what we are striving for. We want a steady formation in order to polish details of our game and to be in optimum form at the start of the campaign.

Is Drenthe earning your trust?
I think he is doing a good job in that position. He has great prospects in attack and he is also improving in defence. He is an important alternative to have on the team and I think he has improved throughout the preseason.

How was it for you to return to San Sebastian?
I find it hard to believe that this is a Second Division team. It has all it needs to be in the First Division. I think it is a powerful side and I hope it returns to the top category because this is a great club. The fans support the team and it would be nice for them to return to the First Division in their centenary year.

Your team had trouble in aerial plays…
It is impossible to win every single ball in aerial plays, especially against a side with so many tall players. We controlled most of the chances they had.

http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1202778157483/noticia/Noticia/Pellegrini_press_conference_2009-08-16.htm

In the third edition of the survey, 26% of the semi-professional and professional players named Real Madrid as the preferred team of choice, followed by Barcelona with 24% and Manchester United with 18%. 

Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Lionel Messi, meanwhile, were three most admired footballers.

http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1202777383569/noticia/Noticia/A_dream_called_Real_Madrid.htm

Born into a family known for its football prowess, Xabi Alonso came into this world on 25 November 1981 in the Basque town of Tolosa. Following in the footsteps of his father, Periko Alonso, Xabi lived in Barcelona until he was six before moving to San Sebastian, where he began his career as a footballer.La Playa de la Concha, the famous beach in San Sebastian, was the first pitch used by the Madridista and the site where his passion for the game grew. Along with his best friend, Mikel Arteta (now playing for Everton), Alonso began laying the groundwork to enjoy the same success that his father had achieved as a professional in the 1980’s.

Xabi Alonso’s youth career began at Antiguoko, where he quickly stood out for his football prowess. Real Sociedad soon came calling, and his progress through the ranks culminated in his first team debut in Copa del Rey action against Logroñes. By the age of 18 he was easily the best player on the academy squad, so Real loaned the player to a Segunda Division side where he could better develop his skills. It was his first stint with Eiber, who he left in 1998 to debut in Spain’s top flight with Real Socieded before returning again in 2000. The following year marked his definite return to San Sebastian, where he played until 2004 and led the team to a second place finish in La Liga.

Prior to the 2004/05 season, Alonso completed a switch to Liverpool, where he dazzled Kopites with his incredible vision and eye for the pass. Additionally, his powerful long-range shot converted him into one of Europe’s best centre midfielders.

Still in his first season in England, Alonso had his ankle broken and was sidelined for three months. He managed to return for the quarterfinal round of the Champions League and helped guide Liverpool to the final against Milan. The Italians led the match 3-0 before halftime rolled around, but the Reds were able to do the unthinkable and forced extra time, where they defeated Milan in the penalty shootout for the club’s fifth European Cup.

Xabi Alonso has featured for Spain since debuting in 2003. He participated in both the 2004 and 2008 European Championship as well as the 2006 World Cup. His career high was no doubt the 2008 Euro won by Spain. Alonso was also named Man of the Match in the third group stage game against Greece.

An eye for the pass, speed in distributing, vision for the game, a powerful shot… just some of the attributes of the Basque footballer who managed to conquer English football. He has now landed at the Bernabeu to play for Real Madrid, who in a matter of weeks he will accompany to the city and stadium that witnessed his rise. And that is because the Whites play Real Sociedad on 15 August as part of the Txuri-urdin’s centenary celebrations.

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CRISTIANO RONALDO
“I’m happy for the team. We’re improving game after game. Raul put in an outstanding performance as did Kaka. It’s easy to play well on this team.”

ROBBEN
“We played well and dominated the match. We knocked the ball around nicely against a team of true athletes. The new signings are great footballers and they prove it in every training session. We all like to score goals and I’m happy to have done so tonight. I’d like to stay with the Club. I believe in myself and I’m looking forward to helping the team.”

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KAKA
“I’m very happy about my debut. It was just a preseason game but it’s important to play as many minutes as possible. I couldn’t score a goal but the important thing is to create offensive plays. I’ve contributed to the game and I’ve felt at home with the rest of the players. Real Madrid appeal to many people and I’m happy to be a part of the Club.”

“We’ve got to keep on working hard and improving. Let’s hope to keep up the good work throughout the season, although it’s important to play good football right from the start. Playing alongside these players is nice, but doing so for Real Madrid makes it more important. This is a strong group of players and we must be consistent during the whole campaign.”

XABI ALONSO
“I’m very happy about this first contact with my team-mates. During the preseason we should aim at attaining both offensive and defensive balance so it will show up during the season. The squad is made up of humble, easy-going people. I’m delighted with them. I’ll be participating more in each game.”

ARBELOA
“We’ve played well but we’re still in the preseason and we must take one step at a time. We have a great team but we must prove it throughout the campaign. I still don’t know which shirt number I’ll be wearing.”

http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1202777699411/noticia/Noticia/_Playing_for_Real_Madrid_is_unique_.htm