Xabi Alonso says he leaves Real Madrid ‘with respect, gratitude and pride’

Xabi Alonso admitted his stint at Real Madrid “didn’t go as we would have liked” but he says he leaves the club “with respect, gratitude, and pride that I did my best”.

The Spaniard, a former midfielder who made more than 200 appearances for the Spanish giants between 2009 and 2014, lasted less than eight months in the managerial hot-seat at the Bernabeu.

He had been under increasing heat in recent weeks and, 24 hours after defeat to fierce rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday, the announcement came that he had departed Real by mutual consent.

Alonso leaves with the club in second in LaLiga at the midway point of the season, trailing Barca by four points, with former Liverpool and Real team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa announced as his successor.

He wrote on Instagram on Tuesday: “This stage of my career has come to an end, and it has not turned out as we would have liked. Coaching Real Madrid has been an honour 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.”

Arbeloa took charge of his first training session on Tuesday ahead of their Copa del Rey last-16 clash at Albacete on Wednesday.

The 42-year-old first joined Real’s youth system aged 18 and progressed to the first team before leaving for Deportivo La Coruna in 2006, returning three years later from Liverpool.

He was part of two Champions League winning sides and started his coaching career with the club’s age-group teams before replacing Real great at the helm of Castilla, the side’s reserves last summer.

Following his promotion, Arbeloa told a press conference: “This is a special day, as have all the days I’ve been part of Real Madrid. I’ve been here for 20 years and every day I’ve spent here has been special.

“I’ll be at Real Madrid as long as the club wants me here. This is my home, that’s how I feel and that’s how it will always be.

“We have a great squad and a team willing to do anything, knowing the demands of Real Madrid. Some of them have six European Cups, which is quickly forgotten.

“This is only achieved through sacrifice and consistency. That’s what has made them the best team in history and given them this record.”

Asked about Alonso, Arbeloa replied: “I’ve spoken with him; you know the friendship I have with Xabi Alonso and how much I care for him. It’s mutual and will continue to be.

“What I discussed with Xabi yesterday will remain between us. I’m really looking forward to my first match and I’m fortunate to have an extraordinary squad at my disposal. I can’t wait for tomorrow.”