Bayern's Alonso announces retirement

Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso will be hanging up his soccer boots in the summer, the Spaniard announced in an official statement on Thursday.

The 35-year-old midfield veteran, who has won the FIFA World Cup once and the UEFA EURO twice with Spain, has called time on his fruitful career.

"It was not an easy decision but I think it is the right moment," Alonso told the club's official homepage. "I always wanted to retire rather sooner than later. I still feel good but I believe it is the right time," he said.

The former Spain international joined the "Bavarians" from Real Madrid on an undisclosed fee in August 2014 to provide five assists and five goals in overall 71 competitive appearances.

"I wanted to retire at the highest possible level, and Bayern is the highest level. I am very proud and happy to play for Bayern and to be part of this family," Alonso added.

Xabier "Xabi" Alonso Olano started his professional career at Real Sociedad before he joined Premier League outfit Liverpool in 2004 where he lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2005.

After five years with the "Reds", Alonso joined Primer Division side Real Madrid where he secured the domestic league title in 2012 before he reaped his second Champions League title in 2014.

Alonso extended his trophy cabinet with the German giants as he wrapped up back-to-back Bundesliga titles and last season German Cup. He still has the chance to add another three titles to his cabinet as Bayern is still in the race in three competitions.

"FC Bayern would like to thank a great player and a man who has represented Bayern on and beside the pitch excellently. Xabi Alonso is one of the greats of world football. He has won everything in his career," Bayern's CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.

Source: Xinhua