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.