XABI Alonso knew his time at Liverpool was up a year ago. The Spain midfielder has now revealed the full details behind a dramatic £28 million Anfield exit. Alonso admits the decision to skip a Champions League match for the birth of his son almost three years ago caused a rift with manager Rafa Benitez. And the midfielder admits he found it hard to accept being classed as a cash cow when Benitez tried to sell him a year ago. Alonso, 27, is now one of the next generation of Real Madrid ‘Galacticos’ after his switch last month. But only now has he spoken out about his relationship with fellow Spaniard Benitez – and the joy of feeling wanted at Real. He said: “It was a tough call and a very difficult decision to make after five years at the club. “I have always said that it has been a professional relationship. I have always tried to do what he asked me to do, to try to deliver on the pitch, to do the talking on the pitch.” Hardliner Benitez demands ultimate commitment from his highly-paid stars – he did not leave Liverpool’s Club World Cup match in Japan in 2005 when his father died. – SunOnline.
