Frank I think you have to remember his role and style that even at 31 he has at least 4-5 more years. Just look at Pirlo who is the closest comparison and he is still doing it and at a high level. Alonso is much bigger, fitter, stronger, and takes care of his body well. I think if it came up it would be a no brainer. Also by the time he gets to where maybe he needs to be shifted the players coming through ( if still here) will all be about 20-24 give or take. Still plenty of time to develop, learn from some of the best, and be able to step in comfortably, imo.
I can see ALonso doing that. With the tax breaks he gets in spain and what he made at Real it would more than compensate!
Blame it on the goose, got you feeling loose Blame it on patron, got you in the zone Blame it on the al al al al alcohol.
As much as I love Alonso... 1) Too old; 2) Too expensive; 3) Wage demands are too high; and 4) Not a priority position (would improve the middle though) PS...sorry MITO
Has he not been back a couple of times and seen us play over the Christmas/New Year period when the Spainish league shuts down for their mid season break? I guess we can add further fuel to the fire if he's spotted in the stands on the 22nd when we play Fulham (assuming La Liga are on their hols at the time)..
I think the Yanks would have to realise that here's a player they won't be able to sell on for much ( unless we can flog him to the far east when he's 36) However, if he's pivotal in winning trophies it's a good investment. Still not convinced it'll happen though.
So Alonso is Santa Claus. [video=youtube;q_VZpxWqI-o]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_VZpxWqI-o&playnext=1&list=PLC58293E48C723C2D&feature=results_video[/video]
If its wrong to love Xabi, then I never want to be right! I'm torn, would love to see him return but I also want to give the current squad game time (sounds similar to a point I made last time this topic was discussed..) If he could be accommodated financially and on the playing staff without disrupting the growth of the current young players, then I'm all for his return! However, I think there’s about 2% chance of him coming back.
Stevie is bending Brendan's ear about too. I'd rather have Alonso come in and let Sahin go back to Madrid
100% this. If we are going to break our own rules then Xabi Alonso would be one player I would do it for Anyone feel the same about Mascherano despite him being a **** about leaving...?
