Former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso has confirmed that he is set to take the next step in his football career and focus on a career in management.
Alonso retired from the game at the end of last season following a three year stint with German club Bayern Munich.
The 35-year-old Alonso is widely regarded as being one of the most gifted defensive midfielders of the modern generation. During his career, he won the World Cup in 2010 and Euro Championships in 2008 and 2012 with Spain.
He also won the Champions League with Real Madrid and Liverpool before winning three consecutive Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich.
At this stage it is not clear where Alonso will begin his management, though he may do his development with his first club Real Madrid.
The former football star wrote on his Instagram page, “After 17 years in the game, I have considered my next step in the career. I have decided to go into management.”