Xabi Alonso spoke to Onda Cero’s “El Primer Toque” program last night, from the concentración of Spain. The interview wasn’t that interesting, though Xabi of course comes off as so diplomatic, modest and well-spoken. I did however like hearing Xabi refer to his father as Periko, and saying that Jon is right-footed. Here are the few highlights.
on the effect of los clásicos on the national team: I’m feeling good, and the less people speak about it, the faster things can get back to normal. Logically, when we play with our clubs, we defend our own interests, but later on when you’re on the same team… the atmosphere is comfortable, there aren’t problems with anyone. There’s much more normality than there appears to be for everything that has been written or said. I feel comfortable here and it’s a pleasure to be here.
on Mourinho: I have a very good relationship with him. We always analyze what happens on the field.
on being loved by the Bernabéu: no, I just tried to do well, and people responded to that, and you have to be grateful. How I behave is the way I am naturally. Sometimes, when you try to make others like you, they end up not liking you
on where he’s been the most comfortable: [Xabi is so diplomatic!] It’s great to play, grow as a player in the club of your city. The five years in Liverpool were unforgettable, and I have an impressive memory of that time. Madrid had its grandness, it was a professional challenge for me, to prove that you could play for this club. I’m comfortable here, knock on wood.
on Sahin: Nuri has good qualities, a good attitude, and he’s already speaking Spanish, so you can see he wants to integrate. He observes, listens and learns.
on his shirt collection: I’m not sure where the first Periko Alonso Barça shirt is, that’s a good question, you have to ask Periko. It’s probably at my grandmother’s house. In my shirt collection, I have some from my father’s era, including those of Zico and Maradona. And then I have those from people I admire: Mauro Silva, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Zidane.
all credit to unamadridista
. But is true that Alonso loved playing for Liverpool he still Tweets about the club all the time and for that I still 
