Xabi Alonso has opened up on the experience he felt playing for Liverpool Legends against Manchester United.
The former midfielder was part of the Reds team that faced their United equivalents in the second instalment of the 'Legends of the North clash;. It ended 2-1 to the home side at Anfield thanks to goals from Mark Gonzalez and Florent Sinama Pongolle.
Alonso was described as the “star attraction” by the ECHO’s Theo Squires in his player ratings . The 40-year-old, who retired back in 2017, completed the full 90 minutes and was impressive on his return to Merseyside.
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Speaking about his Anfield return, Alonso spoke about how it felt to be back wearing the shirt for the club where he made 210 appearances.
"I loved it," Alonso told Liverpoolfc.com . "I loved it after some time without playing these kinds of games. You still know that you feel it, you have it inside and whenever you have the chance it awakens [you].
"I really loved it and a great cause, great atmosphere, best stadium in the world. Great day.
"[Anfield is] different. You have pretty stadiums all over the world, great atmospheres, Champions League nights – but this is Anfield. The soul, the stands, the lights, it's different and it's pure football. That's why we love it as a player, as a fan, as anyone that comes."
When asked about his ability to play cross-field passes and dictate play, Alonso added: "That doesn't change – many things change, the legs change, the strength changes. But once you have that understanding after playing so many years, it is still there.
"As long as I can enjoy and I can play here, I will love to come back."
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