Xabi Alonso!

The name is enough. He has been an absolute legend and a wonderful servant of the beautiful game. It would now be well-known for the fans that Alonso will be retiring at the end of the season, bringing his glittering career to a close. Most of the football followers would have come to know by now, about the Spaniard’s retirement news and it took the social media by storm yesterday. It is indeed a sad day for the fans all over the world. He is one of those classy personalities of the game and he is a respected guy even by the rival fans. Such has been his contribution to football.

His stint with Liverpool has been etched into club’s history and it was a joy to watch him play for the Reds. Who can forget his performance on that night in Istanbul? Absolutely nobody!

The former Liverpool man has won it all and seen it all. If he thinks his time is up, then his decision has to be respected. A lot of big names and legendary players poured in their wishes to the midfield maestro and even fans all over the world expressed their love for the Spaniard.

Here’s Xabi Alonso’s message on his Instagram account. Oh boy didn’t he convey it in a classy way!

Lived it. Loved it. Farewell beautiful game.

A post shared by Xabi Alonso (@xabialonso) on Mar 9, 2017 at 1:58am PST

After Alonso posted his retirement message on all of his social media platforms, a host of big names in football responded to it by wishing him luck and poured their affection on the player.

Sad day when a Legend like @xabialonso retires from the game. He always told me to relax & use my brain, it didn’t always work #alonso #liverpool

A post shared by Jamie Carragher (@23_carra) on Mar 9, 2017 at 9:30am PST

Xavi you are pure quality . A class act on the pitch and a gentlemen off it . It was a pleasure to play alongside you and I missed you every day from the moment you left the reds . Congratulations on your perfect career and good luck to you and your family In the future . #legend ❤️ @xabialonso

A post shared by Steven Gerrard (@stevengerrard) on Mar 9, 2017 at 4:39am PST

@xabialonso good luck in retirement my friend. It’s not as bad as it sounds thanks for some great memories⚽️ Y.N.W.A

A post shared by @danielagger22 on Mar 9, 2017 at 11:03am PST

The Pass Master announces his retirement An honor to have played with you and being on the receiving end of so many great passes! Amazing player and one of the nicest person off the pitch Now we can enjoy another drink together

A post shared by John Arne Riise (@jariiseofficial) on Mar 9, 2017 at 3:33am PST

Contigo aprendí a amar este deporte. Gracias por tantos buenos momentos / I learnt with you to love football. Thanks for such a lot of good moments @xabialonso #Legend #Leyenda #YNWA

A post shared by Fernando Torres (@fernandotorres) on Mar 9, 2017 at 5:10am PST

So lucky for sharing it with you in 3 different teams!! Thanks for everything “manoplas”!! LEGEND! #GraciasXabi https://t.co/ozN4FcvzIN

— Pepe Reina (@PReina25) March 9, 2017

Was a pleasure playing with you hermano https://t.co/Eg4wD0aHS0

— Djibril Cisse (@DjibrilCisse) March 9, 2017

The game will miss your football and your values, @XabiAlonso. It was a privilege to have shared part of your successful career with you! pic.twitter.com/IUCdW7syC7

— Pako Ayestaran (@PakoAyestaran) March 9, 2017

Rivals…teammates… friends!! @XabiAlonso best of luck in the future pic.twitter.com/Nk6qyNzSYA

— Kaka (@KAKA) March 9, 2017

Apart from former players who shared the dressing room with Alonso in the past, the current superstars of the game posted their wishes as well. His present Bayern Munich teammates were quick to respond to his retirement news. Liverpool’s official twitter handle expressed their admiration for the pass master as well.

We lived and enjoyed your football. #GraciasXabi pic.twitter.com/Bk0lnZvmKA

— Thiago Alcantara (@Thiago6) March 9, 2017

And we did love watching you play !!
Gracias por tanto Xabi !! https://t.co/19CP3FIu6c

— Luis Garcia (@LuchoGarcia14) March 9, 2017

Fantastic player. Great person. #XabiAlonso #MiaSanMia https://t.co/8wtJHSzDn4

— Thomas Müller (@esmuellert_) March 9, 2017

Great player and good friend of mine. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the time after your outstanding career @XabiAlonso #AllTheBest #Memories pic.twitter.com/wfDe5vkTqe

— Sami Khedira (@SamiKhedira) March 9, 2017

Thanks for the memories, @xabialonso. Here’s to making a few more before you finally hang your boots up! #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/tgEn9bkgBk

— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) March 10, 2017

@XabiAlonso: A true champion. pic.twitter.com/46Rec97lxb

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 9, 2017

What a man. ❤https://t.co/3jk6KdX0xT

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 9, 2017

Xabi has truely been a great figure in modern football and it will be a great miss to not watch the playmaker grace us anymore on the pitch.

Nevertheless, it is his decision and hopefully he takes up a coaching career and passes on his beautiful footballing brain to more players.

Good luck Xabi Alonso!