The January 2012 issue of GQ España has a report on the 2011 Hombres GQ del Año awards, and if you think back, you’ll remember that our very own Xabi Alonso was given the “sportsman of the year” award. Inside, there are not only more pictures of Xabi rocking that tuxedo, but also a little write up that describes him very, very well, including Xabi’s own description of himself. Why is there only one of him in this world?
Very few footballers have his physique. He was going to leave early, but… (Mourinho could be reading this).
Here’s what the magazine wrote:
It’s an unwritten law in journalism that one should avoid self praise and self-glorification like the plague, but allow us to say that it’s much easier to get up in the morning when you know that you have illustrious readers such as Xabi Alonso. “It’s an honor to receive this recognition,” the ex-player of Real Sociedad and Liverpool confesses to us. “I’ve been a reader of GQ for many years, and so I’m very proud and grateful to receive this award.”
It’s a modest award for someone who has been anointed as the indisputable brain of the best Real Madrid team in history (in the words of Emilio Butragueño). He’s a European champion, a world champion and the field marshal of the midfield at the Santiago Bernabéu. You see him on the field giving assists with his right foot to Cristiano Ronaldo, Özil or Benzema and you know that it’s something that you’re going to tell your grandchildren. His 50-meter passes appear to be guided by GPS. He’s a complete sportsman, as elegant as Roger Federer’s backhand, as lethal as Gasol’s hook shot and as precise as Tiger Woods’ swing.
And perhaps due to the years he spent in England, a total gentleman both on and off the field. “I don’t know if I would consider myself a gentleman. Of course, I always try to behave impeccably and be as respectful as possible, although of course you also have to play with that measure of passion which is needed. What happens on the field stays there. Off of it, I try to be very normal.”
The man from Tolosa defines himself as old school: “I feel very guipuzcoano, simple, honest, introverted and a bit traditional.” A timeless footballer in a club that demands immediate results. “This year we have a lot of hope because there is a desire to achieve something big. All the ingredients are there and now it’s time to see if the recipe works and if the final product is good.” If I were you, I’d keep his cromo in a safe place. It’s going to rise in value…
Apologies for my lack of photography skills…