Xabi Alonso – the Don Balón questionnaire

A double dose of the delectable Xabi Alonso for your Thursday – it’s almost Friday – pleasure!  He did the Don Balón questionnaire in their latest issue, and so of course I had to share.  His answers are accompanied by photos from one of the best days in my Madrid supporting life.

1.  Marital status?

– Married and with two children.

2.  What were you studying?

– I studied business for three years.  I didn’t finish my degree.

3.  Do footballers make too much money?

– It’s related to how much money they generate.

4.  Should provincial national teams play official games?

– I think this is not only a matter of sports.

5.  What would you like to do when you’re no longer playing football?

– When I leave football, I’d like to disconnect a bit and enjoy my free time, because while this is great, I’m very busy.

6.  What is your favorite singer or group?

– I like Andrés Calamaro.

7.  What is your favorite song?

– “Other Side” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

8.  Who are you favorite actor and actress?

– Robert de Niro and Julianne Moore.

9.  What movie have you watched the most number of times?

– The Great Escape and The Shawshank Redemption.

10.  What is the best book you’ve read in your life?

– The Great Gatsby [my favorite book too!!!]

11.  Of all the poems that you’ve read, which did you like the best?

– I don’t remember any of them.

12.  Of all the paintings you’ve see, which made the biggest impression on you?

– Gernika.

13.  Your best friend in the world of football?

– I have a lot but a very good friend is Cristian Alberdi, who plays in Alcorcón.

14.  What is your favorite TV show?

– I like Cuarto Milenio.

15.  What is your favorite food?

– Turbot.

16.  A city.

– London.

17.  Your idea of a perfect night?

– I like to go out to eat, with my wife and my friends, and enjoy a good chat.

18.  What place would you like to visit?

– Alaska or New Zealand.

19.  Your most recent car?

– An Audi 7.

20.  What is your dream car?

– I like James Bond’s Aston Martin.  I like cars a lot.

21.  Is it easier for footballers to hook up with girls?

– I don’t know why it would be like.

22.  Who is the sexiest woman, after yours?

– Scarlett Johansson.

23.  Is love necessary for you in sex?

– Yes.  [Oh Xabi….]

24.  Do you all play better on the field after having sex?

– It’s different for everyone.

25.  Would you forgive a onetime act of infidelity?

– I don’t think so.

26.  What do you think about homosexual marriages?

– I think that those who have that sexual preference have the same right as everyone else.  I don’t see any problems.

27.  How do you kill time in the concentraciones?

– With the Internet, I watch TV series…

28.  What do you think about the death penalty?

– I’m against it.

29.  In what areas has your footballing improved in the last few years?

– Perhaps tactically and mentally.

30.  What did you learn from your parents?

– Humility, straightforwardness, and to work hard to able to achieve what you want in this life.

31.  What is your latest splurge?

– A watch.

32.  What does a footballer do during the afternoons?

– I spend time with my kids.

33.  When was the last time you got drunk?

– In the World Cup, during the celebration.

34.  What’s the most recent crazy thing that you did?

– I don’t remember.

35.  Finish this sentence: It drives me crazy when…

– I have to deal with a lack of respect.

36.  What do you always have in your refrigerator?

– Good vegetables from Navarra.

37.  Should all immigrants be legalized?

– In an orderly fashion, but it’s not easy.

38.  Who were your heroes?

– I’ve always liked Koeman.

39.  Tell me a historic moment of your club.

– La Séptima.

40.  Which country do you support, apart from Spain, in a World Cup?

– I’ve always liked England.

41.  The Christmas gift you were most excited about.

– World Cup boots, the first ones I ever received as a gift.

42.  What other sports have you played or play?

– Padel and tennis.

43.  Your favorite historical person?

– Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill.

44.  What footballer did your father constantly talk about?

– My father wasn’t one to talk about his battles.  He spoke more about what was going on.

45.  Do you have any manias before stepping on the field?

– No.

46.  Where do you usually go for vacations?

– I change the destination, I don’t have any fixed place.

47.  What question from journalists do you hate the most?

– When I’m asked how I define myself.

48.  Your favorite clothing brand?

– Adidas.

49.  What was the last time you used public transportation?

– A while ago, I did use the metro in London.

50.  If you were the president, what would be the first thing you would do upon arriving at Moncloa?

– There are a lot of things to do but I don’t think I’m sufficiently prepared to do so.

And five bonus questions.

One.  A dream: to win the Liga, which I’ve never won.

Two.  A person that you miss: my grandparents.

Three.  Your lucky number: I have a lot of affection for 14 right now.

Four.  If you were on a deserted island, you’d bring… a radio.

Five.  If you weren’t a footballer, you’d be… I was going to be an engineer, something related with companies.