XABI ALONSO has released a 24-word statement following his bombshell Real Madrid exit just 34 games into his tenure.
Alonso – who won the LaLiga and Champions League as a player in the Spanish capital – was given his marching orders following defeat to Barcelona.
Madrid were beaten 3-2 in the Super Cup final – which was staged in Saudi Arabia – with Alonso sacked the next day.
Breaking his silence, the 44-year-old posted: “This professional stage is over, and it didn’t go as we would have liked.
“Coaching Real Madrid has been an honor and a responsibility. I thank the club, the players and above all the fans and Madrid fans for their trust and support.
“I leave with respect, gratitude, and pride that I did my best.”
Alonso joined Madrid in 2009 following five years in Liverpool – where he won the Champions League in 2005.
The midfielder then joined Bayern Munich in 2014 before his retirement in 2017 – moving into coaching straight after.
Alonso started his managerial career with Real Sociedad B from 2019-2022 before taking over Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.
And he guided them to the Bundesliga title in 2024 – going on a run of 48 games unbeaten before returning to Madrid.
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The 2010 World Cup and two-time Euros winner replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the summer of 2025 after the Italian took over Brazil’s national team.
But Alonso lasted just five months, departing with Madrid second in the league, four points behind rivals Barca.
The club wasted no time in finding a replacement, immediately announcing Alvaro Arbeloa as Alonso’s successor.
Arbeloa – who played with Alonso at Liverpool and Madrid – has been promoted from the LaLiga giant’s B side.
Already Alonso has been linked with Manchester United, Liverpool and City after his sacking.
