The Real Madrid midfielder was full of praise for his former teammate who announced his decision to hang up his playing boots at the end of the current campaign.
Real Sociedad have a titanic task of filling the void left by retiring captain, Mikel Aranburu , in the upcoming summer. The 33-year-old versatile player has plied his trade with the San Sebastian-based outfit throughout his career and calls it a quit with
a service of 15 years to his boyhood club.
Real Madrid star, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Xabi-Alonso-c37045, took out time to reflect his views on his former teammate as he prepares to play his final match in Sociedad colours.
Alonso revealed his admiration for Aranburu and claimed that he has never seen a more giving player in his entire footballing career. He added that the retiring captain has always given preference of the collective goals over personal needs.
Continuing on the subject, the Real Madrid midfield general claimed that his fellow Basque national still has two or three more years left in him owing to his good physical fitness and technical ability.
"I have not seen a player more generous than Mikel," http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alonso-c5254 said. "He always puts the collective before his personal interests.”
"Mikel could have continued for one or two years more because he has always been in good physical condition and has so much quality.”
The current season saw Aranburu sidelined in favour of youthful prospects, but showed his pedigree as the season withered on.
Reflecting on the situation, Alonso stated that he understands his selfless decision to leave on a high and free up space for the upcoming youngsters in the process who can serve La Real for a long time to come.
"Even this season he seemed likely to play less because of the youngsters pushing hard for a place in the team, but eventually he returned to be one of Real's star players.”
"But Mikel and I know what is required to play at the highest level. He has served Real for 14 seasons and wants to leave on a high."
Aranburu’s final La Liga outing comes against Unai Emery’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Valencia-c40863.
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