Amid the constant uncertainty surrounding his future at Liverpool, Xabi Alonso has stated he does not want to leave the club.
Alonso has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer as his place in Rafa Benitez’s squad continues to lack an assuredness.
However, Spain international Alonso has said that while he admits he does not know how the off-season transfer market will pan out, he fully intends to remain at Anfield and revel in his status as a senior player.
“I am happy at Liverpool but in football you cannot close the doors on anything because you don't know what will happen. I do not plan to go,” Alonso told El Pais. “With Sami Hyypia already gone, I am one of the senior players alongside Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard.
“There was strong interest in me from Madrid (in 2004) but Liverpool came and that is where I went. It was not a wrong decision, not for me anyway. I have played at Liverpool, a special club, and grown as a player and won titles.”
Rumours of an uneasy relationship between Alonso and Benitez – who was prepared to sell the midfielder last summer – are not true, says the 27-year-old.
“Each one has his own point of view. He is the manager and I try to do the best with what he tells me,” said Alonso. “We have a good professional relationship. We speak normally, saying what he wants from me and what I can give. He makes the decisions and we try to execute them.
“Last summer there was certain indecision and I did not know what was going to happen. I finished up playing well, though. I have had two quite complete seasons.”