World Cup winner and Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso is expected to retire at the end of the season, according to reports in Germany.
German publication Sport Bild reported the news on Wednesday afternoon that the former Liverpool favourite has informed Bayern Munich of his intention to retire when his contract runs out at the end of the season.
Alonso has played at the top level of European football for more than a decade, in which time he has won the Champions League twice, as well as back-to-back European Championships and the World Cup.
It is understood that although he has informed the top brass at Bayern Munich, the club will allow him to change his mind.
He will retire with two Bundesliga titles and one La Liga title as well as domestic cups in England, Spain and Germany. The 35-year-old was also selected in the FIFA Fifpro World XI in 2011 and 2012, during his time at Spanish giants Real Madrid.
What a joy it's been to watch Xabi Alonso play, by the way.
— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) January 18, 2017
The Spaniard joined Liverpool in 2004, helping the Merseyside club win the Champions League against AC Milan in their first season. He also won the UEFA Super Cup the following year, as well as the FA Cup under manager Rafa Benitez.
He formed a formidable partnership with Steven Gerrard during his time at the club before leaving to join Real Madrid in 2009.
Perhaps the most famous goal in his career was his long range effort against Newcastle in 2006 when he scored from inside his own half.
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