Liverpool Football Club News

• Nickname:Reds
• Founded:1892
• Manager:Kenny Dalglish

• Ground:Anfield
• Capacity:45,362

Rafa stands firm over Alonso

01 Jun 2009 - 07:44:41

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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has again dismissed continuing rumours linking midfielder Xabi Alonso with a summer transfer to Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old is reported to be one of Real's top targets following the return of Florentino Perez as president of the Santiago Bernabeu club.

Benitez told the club's official website: "The situation is clear, we do not want to sell our best players and that includes Xabi.

"He had a very good season for us and can be an important player in the future. There is no agreement with Real and we want him to be part of our plans going forward.

"Xabi himself told our club magazine only two weeks ago that he was looking forward to his sixth season as a Liverpool player. Why should he want to leave now?

"Xabi's agent came to see me recently to talk about the future. It was a surprise for me and I pointed out to him there were three years left on Xabi's contract.

"I asked him if the player was happy in Liverpool and he said yes. It was a short meeting."