Bayer Leverkusen fans, brace yourselves: coaching legend Xabi Alonso is bidding auf Wiedersehen to the club after a historic three-year run. The football icon confirmed his departure Friday with mixed emotions, saying it was time to 'enjoy the moment' while staying tight-lipped about Real Madrid rumors 🕵️♂️.
💥 Why it matters: Alonso transformed Leverkusen from Bundesliga underdogs to *invincible champions*, clinching their first-ever league title last season alongside a German Cup triumph. His exit marks the end of an era for Die Werkself.
🔥 Real Madrid whispers: Reports claim the Spaniard (who played for Madrid 2010-2014) has agreed to replace Carlo Ancelotti after the Club World Cup. Compensation? A cool €12M 💸. But Alonso played coy: 'Not the right time to talk about the future.'
🗓️ Final curtain: The strategist will coach his last home game Sunday vs. Dortmund, wrapping up May 18 at Mainz. His legacy? A team that’ll finish second this season despite Bayern Munich snatching the title back.
🎙️ Mic drop moment: 'We’ve achieved something special here,' Alonso told players and staff. 'Football’s about moments – let’s soak this in.' Cue the 🥺 emojis.
💬 Fan reaction: Social media’s flooded with #GraciasXabi posts and edits of his iconic 2010 World Cup-winning midfield magic ✨.
🔮 What’s next: All eyes on Madrid’s Bernabéu bench next season. But for now? Time to raise a stein 🍻 to the man who made Leverkusen believe.
