Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso is proud, excited and very happy for returning home. He will play his first match at Anoeta with a shirt different from Real Sociedad's. His first club's centenary celebrations will no doubt be rather emotional for the midfielder.

"I am proud and feel honoured to be part fo Real Sociedad's centenary celebrations," said Alonso, "It is a very happy coincidence to play my first match in Spain with Real Madrid at Anoeta. It will be an important match in Real Sociedad history and it will be very special for me too." 

Alonso arrived in San Sebastian when he was 6 years old. Alongside friend Mikel Arteta (now at Everton), he dreamed about becoming a professional player someday. His first team was Antiguoko and his excellent performances there allowed him to sign for Real Sociedad, where he became a very promising acedemy player. He was loaned out to Second Division side Eibar to continue growing as a footballer, eventually becoming a first team player in 2001.

The midfielder vividly remembers a match against Real Madrid in the 2002/03 season that Real Sociedad won 4-2. "That was a very special match. We took the leadership from them that day. I've never enjoyed myself more than in the first half of that game. It was incredible to score four goals against a side with men like Zidane, Ronaldo, Raul and Figo. It was incredible. We played brilliantly."

Alonso joined Liverpool in 2004, where he made a name for himself. The fans at Anoeta have always been fond of him and will doubtlessly cheer him on on Saturday.