Alonso can go fuck himself. I don't think he was wrong to want a move, it was a major fuck up from Rafa and anyone who wanted to take their heads out of the sands in the first place could see that being willing to sacrifice one of the best players in Europe for an average honorary brummie, who plods along passing sideways, was going to have consequences.
Nevertheless, as much as I think Alonso was correct in feeling aggrieved, I know he knew what a good opportunity to win the league it was this year. He knew how much it meant to the fans, he knew that him going would be a huge blow on the eve of the season, and most importantly he knew what kind of status he would have achieved had he stayed around and bossed the midfield on it's way to 19. He still wanted Madrid.
Rafa fucked up in the first place, but Xabi was a cock in accepting that the situation was bigger than his and Rafa's disagreement.
Sick of hearing about him to be honest. He was an amazing player but he's gone. He's gone because he couldn't get over the fact that Rafa was wrong. You give the guy the benefit of the doubt but at the end of the day he was just bloody selfish. Couldn't let Rafa's mistake or the 'lure' of Real Madrid go in favour of being a cornerstone of a dynasty.
I'm sure in a few years I'll feel different and just remember what a stunning player he was, but for now I think he should shut the fuck up about his time at Liverpool 'cos he knows how much his departure could hurt the club this season.
This is all correct, but remember Rafa leaving Valencia. This is almost exact copy of that situation. Rafa, a fabulous manager, who won titles, was not appreciated by his bosses for once. Rafa leaves with tears in his eyes and later says that "he wanted a table but they bought me a lamp" or something.
This time around, its manager vs player. Alonso, a world class player, but never appreciated enough in England and even worse, by his own manager. I hear Rafa praising Gerrard and Torres, in fact, but why oh why he never praised Alonso as much for past season? Yes, their relationship got bad, and Rafa had a fucking entire season to fix it or try to do it. He was obviously busy praising Kuyt, Lucas etc. And Alonso probably saw that for the past season, his relationship with Rafa is not improving. Rafa wanted to sell him, he didn't like Alonso being with family=two cock ups. But Rafa was too proud to admit his mistake in public and may be even in private conversations.
That's when you have to leave your work place. That's what Rafa himself did, despite the fact that Valencia fans loved him. And despite the fact that, Valencia could win Champions League had Rafa stayed with that fantastic team.
I am deeply disappointed that Alonso left Liverpool. Especially since because he is one of my favorite players and he went to Madrid