Xabi Alonso has dismissed the constant speculation
regarding his future by stating he is eagerly anticipating the
start of next season with Liverpool.
The Spain international’s position at Anfield has been a
matter of sustained debate for 12 months after Benitez attempted to
sell his compatriot to Juventus in order to fund a move for Gareth
Barry last summer.
But Alonso has proved his manager wrong with a
hugely-influential season in the red of Liverpool, leading to
suggestions that Real Madrid and Arsenal, amongst others, could bid
for the 27-year-old at the end of the season.
Alonso admits to be enjoying his football on Merseyside though
and is already focused on taking his supreme form into next
season.
“Time flies. I’ve already been here for five years – it’s gone
so fast,” said Alonso in the Daily Express.
“There have been ups and downs but I have tried to enjoy and learn
from every situation. I’ve developed into a much better player and
person.
“A lot of things have changed for me during my time here, and
now I’m looking forward to my sixth season as a Liverpool
player.
“It has been a complete season for me. I’ve felt good and feel I
have been playing well, too. I have been very happy and want to
carry that through our final few games of the campaign.
“I finished last season well and was able to continue that with
Spain at Euro 2008. That continued into this season and I feel I’ve
been at a very good level for about 12 or 13 months.
“Now I have to try to carry that on into next season. It’s not
about what you have done, but what you have to do.”