Leaving Real Madrid the toughest decision, claims Alonso

Bayern Munich’s newly signed midfielder Xabi Alonso insists leaving Real Madrid was the toughest decision of his life.

The former Spanish international, who pulled a plug on his international career this week, joined the Bundesliga champions for a reported fee of £8million on a two year contract earlier today.

The 32-year-old joined the Spanish club in 2009 after spending five years with Premier League club Liverpool. He made a 158 league appearances for the Santiago Bernabeu outfit, winning the La Liga once and was a part of the side that won the Champions League in Lisbon last year.

Following the arrival of James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos at Madrid this summer, Alonso would have to fight for a place in the Whites’ starting line-up and hence decided to join the Bavarians but insists that the decision was not on an easy one to make.

“It's been five great years. Now a new cycle is starting and it's been the most difficult decision of my life. I've thought long and hard about it”, he was quoted as saying by ITV.

“I wanted to be honest with myself and Real Madrid. You need to know when to say goodbye and this was the best time”, the former Real Sociedad player continued.

“I will always be part of the Madrid family.”