Alonso makes Madrid move

Xabi Alonso became the latest big-money arrival at Real Madrid CF this summer after Liverpool FC agreed the sale of the Spain midfielder for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of €35m.

'Very happy'
Alonso passed a medical in the Spanish capital on Wednesday to complete the transfer and secure a return to his home country five years after leaving Real Sociedad de Fútbol for Liverpool. He said: "It's a very happy day for me. It's an important step in my career to come to a club like Real Madrid. I am very grateful to the Liverpool fans; they were very warm during my five years. But a few months ago I took a decision as I thought it was the right moment to find a fresh challenge, to look for a new club."

Spending spree
He becomes the second player to swap Anfield for the Santiago Bernabéu inside a week after full-back Álvaro Arbeloa made the same journey and offers an important defensive midfield option to a club whose extravagant spending spree has notably brought in big-name attacking talents in Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká and Karim Benzema.

Fans' favourite
The 27-year-old made 143 league appearances during his time at Anfield, scoring 14 goals. He became a real fans' favourite and, with his precise passing ability, was a major influence in the Liverpool midfield last season as Rafael Benítez's team finished second in the Premier League behind Manchester United FC. On the European stage, Alonso scored Liverpool's equaliser as they fought back from three goals behind to draw 3-3 with AC Milan in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final before winning on penalties.