STEVEN GERRARD paid an emotional tribute to Xabi Alonso after the Spaniard revealed his retirement plans.
Former Liverpool star Alonso, 35, today announced he will hang up his boots at the end of the season.
Gerrard won the Champions League and FA Cup alongside Alonso during five years together at Anfield.
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The Reds legend wrote on Instagram: “Xavi you are pure quality.
“A class act on the pitch and a gentlemen off it.
Steven Gerrard claimed Xabi Alonso was the best central midfielder he played alongside withGetty Images
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“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.”
Gerrard, 36, once claimed: “He [Alonso] was, by some distance, the best central midfielder I ever played alongside.”
Alonso signed for Real Madrid from Liverpool in 2009 and helped the La Liga giants to the title in 2012 and European glory two years later.
The midfielder was pivotal in Spain’s Golden Generation, winning the Euros twice in 2008 and 2012, as well as the World Cup in 2010.
He won the Bundesliga in his first two seasons with Bayern Munich following his £8m move in 2014.
Today Alonso announced: “Lived it. Loved it. Farewell beautiful game.”
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