Xabi Alonso returns to his home country to join La Liga newcomers Villarreal on a one-year deal as he signs for his hometown club. The former Spain midfielder moved to Anfield in 2013 to join the 2014-15 Champions League-winning side but retired in the summer with one year left on his contract after 19 years of high-grade, low-key club football.
The 36-year-old is a free agent after completing his one-year loan with Real Madrid at the end of last season but Villarreal hope to secure a longer deal.
Alonso has won four Champions League titles – in 2007 with Liverpool, in 2009 with Atletico Madrid, in 2010 with Bayern Munich and twice with Real Madrid.
Villarreal have been without a full-time midfield player since the season began following the departures of Ciprian Marica, Raúl Rulli and Eugenio Mena – none of whom have featured for the club this season.
“For me this is a dream come true because I grew up with Villarreal football and lived in this world with Villarreal fans,” Alonso said. “I have seen their passion and the way they feel about football. I want to give it back.”
The Villarreal president Jose Luis del Nido said: “To bring someone of his influence and quality from abroad is the jewel that was missing. I got in touch with his agent and the best thing for him to say was: ‘Why not?’ He’s arrived in Villarreal on the back of a couple of seasons in which he won two European titles and played in eight finals. At Villarreal he will have the chance to win a big title and lift something with the team.”