Friday, April 17, 2009

Rafael Benitez: Liverpool Are No Longer Willing To Sell Xabi Alonso


Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has issued a hands off warning to any clubs interested in signing Xabi Alonso at the end of the season.

The Spain international midfielder has been in terrific form for the Reds this campaign, so it is unsurprising that speculation has linked him with a move to Primera Division giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

However, Benitez is adamant that the 27-year-old, who came close to leaving Anfield last summer, will still be a Reds player in the 2009-10 season.

"We had an offer from Juventus and asked a big price as he is a big player. They couldn’t meet it," Benitez is quoted as saying in The Sun.

"Xabi is having a good season and is a key player. He’s a player we want to keep."

Since moving to Liverpool for €11.8 million (£10.5m) from Real Sociedad in 2004, Alonso has scored 17 goals in 205 appearances.

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