Xabi Alonso to hang up boots at the end of the season

Xabi Alonso has announced he will retire from playing at the end of the season. Reports earlier this year suggested Alonso was going to hang up his boots when his Bayern Munich contract runs out in the summer, and the 35-year-old midfielder has now confirmed that will be the case. Alongside a picture of him waving, Alonso wrote on his Twitter account: " Lived it. Loved it. Farewell beautiful game." Alonso's impending retirement was also confirmed by Bayern. The Spain international told FC Bayern.tv live: "It wasn't an easy decision to make, but I believe it's the right time. "I always thought it would be better to quit sooner rather than later. I still feel good, but I believe this is the right moment."

Source: PA