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Posted:
Fri Jun 08, 2007 11:30 amby Sabre
Rafa says in the official site
Rafael Benitez has insisted he was always confident Xabi Alonso would resist offers from the continent and continue his Anfield career.
Alonso today signed a new five year deal with the Reds, bringing to an end speculation that he could be swapping the Premiership for a move abroad with a number of top clubs reportedly interested in his services.
"We knew Xabi wanted to stay and he knew we wanted to keep him," Benitez said today.
"Some other top clubs were interested in doing something or at least wanting to know what the situation was but we were always clear that we wanted to build a strong team for the future and Xabi is part of that future.
"He has had some fantastic years with us and he will be just as good in the future. When you know you are settled and that the team is ready for another challenge then you can work with total focus.
"From my point of view I know I have a lot of options all over the pitch now, and especially in the centre. Xabi is a key player but he will need to fight to compete for his position and that can only be good for the team."
I agree.
This is mere speculation and reading between lines, but I think the highlighted text is a mention to his not that good games in some parts of the season. A bit of criticism from Rafa there in my view, (fair one), and praises aswell.
Posted:
Fri Jun 08, 2007 12:44 pmby Bad Bob
Brilliant! 
Posted:
Fri Jun 08, 2007 12:49 pmby Pedro Maradona
good news that, glad the speculation can stop now.....tevez next thanks very much!
Posted:
Fri Jun 08, 2007 12:53 pmby t-h-o-m
great news
Posted:
Fri Jun 08, 2007 2:49 pmby Bretc
This is the best piece of news I've heard today!!! XA is one of the most technically-gifted players in the team and gives us something which Gerrard, Mash & Momo can't offer as much - ability to read and control the pace of the game. He may not have the best of seasons but then he's definitely a vital player for us. Well done, Rafa! 
Posted:
Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:02 pmby LFC2007
It's proof of what Rafa has been saying, proof of what Xabi has been saying. And it proves all those numpties who thought he would leave for Barca wrong.
Posted:
Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:07 pmby grayghost
I actually think he was leaving but the Etoo deal fell throw so he stays and am happy with that.
Posted:
Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:08 pmby LFC2007
Posted:
Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:11 pmby LFC #1
Lando_Griffin wrote:Great news. Made my day.
Ditto
Posted:
Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:14 pmby sworth26
I am geniunely made up, get rid of the dead wood, long term contracts for the classy players and a new crop of talent in the summer.... Lets hope the yank really deliver!
Posted:
Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:18 pmby grayghost
Why do i get the felling you are laughing at me.
Posted:
Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:20 pmby LFC2007
Not at you, at what you said!
Posted:
Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:21 pmby GOAT
grayghost wrote:
Why do i get the felling you are laughing at me.
You pleb. 
Posted:
Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:28 pmby gato_busta
Best news I've had this week!
"It's great to have competition and I am ready to fight for my place," he said. "The more top quality players we have then the better the level of the team will be. I'm confident I can play a lot of minutes on the pitch and keep the confidence of the manager."
This quote from Xabi is what i've been saying in the last few days. The fact that we have so much quality in midfield is not bad for the team, It will only make the team better. There are a few players who still need to extend their contracts (JAR, Garcia, Crouch and Finnan IMO) and see what happens with Sissoko (he has AT LEAST one more season with us to do what he does best). Im glad to see that they are taking care of our best players so they can relax during their break, this way we won't have any scenes like when Gerrard almost left!
Posted:
Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:29 pmby grayghost
GOAT wrote:grayghost wrote:Why do i get the felling you are laughing at me.
You pleb.
