Rafa Benitez gives his side of Xabi Alonso's CONTROVERSIAL Liverpool exit as old wounds REOPENED

Some 15 years later, Xabi Alonso's move to Real Madrid remains a sore one for many Liverpool fans.

Alonso, who joined Liverpool from Real Sociedad in 2004, quickly became a fan favourite at Anfield. Over the course of five years, he played a pivotal role in the club’s success, including the memorable 2005 UEFA Champions League victory in Istanbul.

However, his departure in 2009 left many fans bewildered, with some still harbouring regret over the way his time at Liverpool ended.

In a candid discussion on the Stick to Football podcast, former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has opened up about the circumstances that led to Xabi Alonso’s departure from the club in 2009.

Speaking with ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, Benitez provided his side of the story, addressing long-standing speculation about the decision to part ways with the Spanish midfielder.

Carragher grills Benitez

During the podcast, Carragher, who was Alonso's teammate at the time, directly questioned Benitez about the events leading up to the midfielder's exit.

“Right throughout that season [2008/09], the summer before, Alonso had nearly been sold, and there was talk about Gareth Barry coming in,” Carragher recalled, expressing frustration not with Alonso's desire to leave, but with the timing and handling of the situation.

“Then the season starts and Xabi stays. Xabi has maybe his best season for Liverpool. My frustration is... if a manager and a player have a fractious relationship, but the player is performing well, why couldn’t that have been fixed?”

In response, Benitez provided a detailed explanation, revealing that financial constraints were a significant factor in his decision-making process.

He explained that Alonso had nearly been sold the previous summer to fund a move for Gareth Barry, a versatile player Benitez believed could strengthen the squad in multiple positions.

“Xabi is a very good player and a very clever person,” Benitez acknowledged. “He is someone who is right. I could carry on with him. Why we went for Gareth Barry is because he could play in three different positions and we needed to sell.”

Alonso's Arsenal agreement

Benitez went on to disclose that Alonso had already reached an agreement with another club, believed to be Arsenal, and was reluctant to play in certain matches to avoid being cup-tied.

This situation arose during a crucial Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege, where Liverpool's squad was depleted due to injuries and the Olympic Games.

“Xabi was talking with one club and he had an agreement, I know the figures,” Benitez stated.

“I told you [Carragher] and [captain Steven] Gerrard that he had an agreement and had to play because we cannot play with two lads [youth players] in the most important game of the season to qualify for the Champions League.”

Alonso played in that tie, Liverpool qualified for the Champions League, and the Arsenal move was off.

The revelation sheds new light on a decision that has been a subject of intense debate among Liverpool supporters for years. While Benitez's explanation provides context, it is unlikely to quell the lingering disappointment among fans who had hoped Alonso would finish his career at Anfield.

Despite the acrimonious circumstances of his departure, Alonso remains a beloved figure among Liverpool supporters. His subsequent success as a manager has only enhanced his legacy, with many hoping he will one day return to Anfield, this time as a manager.

For now, the possibility of Alonso managing Liverpool remains a dream.