Source: Daily_Mail
Fans prompt Alonso change of heart as Anfield star weighs up Madrid move
Liverpool fans on Merseyside will have Reds fans on the other side of the world to thank if Xabi Alonso decides to stay.
Rafa Benitez confirmed that the thousands of supporters here in Singapore prompted a possible change of heart by the Spain midfielder, who is weighing up a move to Real Madrid.
'I was talking to him yesterday and telling him to listen to the fanshere in Singapore. They love Xabi. I said to him, "Maybe you have tostay",' said the Liverpool manager.
'All the players and his team-mates want to win and be contenders this year for the Premier League, so if we keep Xabi we will be very pleased - and the same with Mascherano.' Benitez also gave his first reaction to Steven Gerrard's acquittal on a charge of causing affray. The Anfield boss said: 'Now it is over he can focus on football.
'It has been a difficult week for him. The plan is to rest him a little bit, so he can't come here. I'm sorry but it was very important for him to relax. It was good news for him, for the fans and for us but we have to take care of him now.
'It's important to protect the player. He is captain so he has to keep himself right.
'I am sure the fans will enjoy him playing and scoring goals throughout the season.'
