Lance Knight
08-25-2004, 08:42 PM
Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso will make his Liverpool debut at Bolton on Sunday confident in the knowledge that his move to the Barclays Premiership will not hinder his international prospects.
The 22-year-old sought the advice of new Spain coach Luis Aragones before deciding to move to Anfield from Real Sociedad in a near £11million deal.
Alonso said: 'Before I agreed to sign I talked to the Spain manager, I was concerned about leaving Spain to play in England.
'But he told me that he would be following the Premiership and keeping in contact even though I was out of the spotlight in Spain.
'He said he would come to watch me and that playing abroad would not hinder my international career.'
Alonso was a member of his country's Euro 2004 squad but only played one full match, the final group game which they lost to Portugal. He was a late substitute in the opener against Russia and was not selected for the draw with Greece.
He said: 'Real Madrid were interested in me, but I am now looking forward to playing for Liverpool and I believe I have made the right decision.'
The 22-year-old sought the advice of new Spain coach Luis Aragones before deciding to move to Anfield from Real Sociedad in a near £11million deal.
Alonso said: 'Before I agreed to sign I talked to the Spain manager, I was concerned about leaving Spain to play in England.
'But he told me that he would be following the Premiership and keeping in contact even though I was out of the spotlight in Spain.
'He said he would come to watch me and that playing abroad would not hinder my international career.'
Alonso was a member of his country's Euro 2004 squad but only played one full match, the final group game which they lost to Portugal. He was a late substitute in the opener against Russia and was not selected for the draw with Greece.
He said: 'Real Madrid were interested in me, but I am now looking forward to playing for Liverpool and I believe I have made the right decision.'