Source: Eurosport
Gerrard still rues alonso exit
Steven Gerrard was "devastated" when Xabi Alonso left Liverpool and admits the Reds have missed the Spaniard.[LNB] Liverpool captain Gerrard, who is currently injured forged a good understanding with Alonso in midfield. Alonso moved on to Real Madrid in the summer, since when Liverpool have struggled for form in the Premier League and Champions League.[LNB] "Devastated, yeah. Devastated. But there was nothing I could do about it," Gerrard told FourFourTwo magazine.[LNB] "Xabi said a long time ago that he wanted another chapter in his career and finally he got it and his team-mates and the coaches couldn't stand in his way. We just have to say thanks and move forward without him."[LNB] Liverpool recouped around £30million for 27-year-old Alonso, and spent most of that on bringing replacement Alberto Aquilani to Anfield from Roma.[LNB] Aquilani missed the first two months of the season due to injury and Liverpool have already lost seven matches.[LNB] Gerrard knew it would take Liverpool time to adapt to life without Alonso, who in a playmaker role had a vital duty in Rafael Benitez's team.[LNB] Gerrard said: "It's always going to be different when you lose one of the best players in the world - and people are finally realising that's what he is, on the back of his form for Real Madrid and the difference in us from last year.[LNB] "We've got other midfielders here doing a good job but it will take a while before Alonso's out of our system because he was such a top player."
