As Xabi Alonso retires, here are seven reasons why he is probably the coolest footballer ever

XABI ALONSO has announced he will be retiring at the end of the season.

And with it he brings the curtain down on a storied career that includes a World Cup, two European Championships, two Champions Leagues and, uh… an FA Community Shield.

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Alonso said of his choice: “It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I believe it’s the right time.

“I always thought it would be better to quit sooner rather than later. I still feel good, but I believe this is the right moment.”

With that in mind, here are seven reasons why he will be remembered as one of the coolest footballers ever once he hangs up his boots.

He made Oktoberfest even better than it seemed

The annual German drinking festival attracts people from all over the world.

But it’s arguably Alonso who looks the best there (even if he is wearing lederhosen) especially with stunning wife Nagore Aramburu sat next to him.

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He totally wasn’t bothered about taking the worst corner in Champions League history

Barcelona produced the greatest comeback in Champions League history last night.

But for the worst corner in the cup’s history, look no further than Alonso.

It was November 5 2015 and Bayern were beating Arsenal 1-0.

The Germans had a chance to make it two from a corner.

But Alonso, usually a sure bet with the ball at his feet, clattered the flag before he hit the ball.

Typically, he took it with good grace and even appeared to apologise to the flag for the inconvenience he caused.

He was a serial winner

Just take time to appreciate the list of trophies he has won: World Cup, Euros (two), Champions League (two), Bundesliga (two), La Liga, Copa del Rey (two), an FA Cup and many more.

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His right foot was an absolute rocket

Sure, Alonso left Liverpool a while ago now. But this stat deserves to be remembered.

His first Bundesliga goal for Bayern Munich was incredibly cheeky

The German giants were in nostalgic mood last month celebrating Alonso’s 800th career appearance.

And to show how much they appreciate him, they showed again his first Bundesliga goal for the club – which just so happened to be awesome.

He came as close as any footballer ever has to actually being James Bond

Just going to leave this picture here.

Because he is the Professor of Bossonomics