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Xabi puts paid to row rumours

by Joseph Caron Dawe, 15 May 2008 (Setanta)

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has again reiterated his desire to remain at the club, and has rubbished rumours of a spat between manager Rafa Benitez and himself.
All manner of speculation has been fluttering around Anfield in recent weeks with The Reds having had an offer for Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry turned down.
The link with the England international has led to supposition that Alonso could be on his way out of the club, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus all having been mentioned as possible destinations.
However, Alonso says he is more than happy on Merseyside and would like to remain there for the foreseeable future, and would even welcome the challenge of competition for a place with Barry.
“I think I will be here next season even if Barry comes,” said the Spaniard in The Guardian.
“He would bring good competition and he would be more than welcome. He can play different positions and if he plays in midfield then I could play with him. I have no problem with that.
“At the moment I feel I could stay here for many years. I have been here for four seasons already; why not seven or eight?
“As long as I am performing well and the club wants me to stay then I will.”
Alonso also gave rumours of a falling out with Benitez the short shrift.
“There is no problem between me and the manager and I would like to clarify that,” he added.
“I have read that we have had an argument but our relationship is the same as it has been since I joined Liverpool. I spoke to the manager only the other day. He has never said that he wants me to leave.”

"Whoawhoawhoe we got the best midfield in the world....."