There were problems with Rafa, maybe, or maybe they were never really the point. Alonso never came across as anything but a thoughtful, considered sort of chap. He started out in his home town club, moved to one of the biggest clubs in the world and had success, but realistically, was he ever going to stay? Why would he? He has since spent time in another great club , in another great city, and then he went and did it again. His career has been about giving each destination a decent few years to know the place and the people, a respectful and curious traveller. Rather than indulge in bitterness, we really should be thinking how lucky we were to have had him at all.
This.
The key for me is that he was probably going to leave sooner or later.
But I think the angst speaks to a larger issue, where we as fans think every player we like should love the club unconditionally and with not only unflagging loyalty, but unwavering devotion, to the extent that they will never be interested playing anywhere else.
If Xabi had gone to Chelsea or United, or even another club in England, I think we would have some right to be aggrieved. But he went to Madrid.
The other issue this speaks to is our ability as a club to manage the loss of key players. If we had brought someone in who was as good or better, and we won the league the following season, I don't think anyone would be particularly troubled. But we got Aquilani and the rest is history. Ditto Suarez.
It's not an easy thing to do, but it's something we can and must do better going forward. The alternative is to relive our recent history over and over, and to get bitter at players who have moved on, but otherwise actually have a great connection to the club.