he has improved, if that’s possible…
… at the modelling and posing thing. Here’s Xabi Alonso’s new spot for Emidio Tucci’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection.
Whatever he’s selling, I’m buying. Xabi also looked devastatingly handsome during the presentation of the collection several days ago in Madrid.
Sergio Ramos at El Partido de las 12
Updated with interviews with Diego López, Pepe and Marcelo!
Sergio Ramos appeared on Cope’s “El Partido de las 12” yesterday. And he did it in a hedgehog print shirt (which is Dolce & Gabbana, by the way) paired with a vest and that dangly cross earring he’s been sporting recently. Why, Sergio, why? Let’s hope you won’t be the one in charge of dressing the little one. Anyway, here are the highlights from the interview, which didn’t get interesting until they got to the personal section.
It still makes me smile whenever he refers to himself in the third person.
the story of Manolín and Cristiano
This is Manolín, a little madridista who went to see Madrid play during their visit to Málaga. The shirt he’s wearing here was given to him by none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, and off his very own back too. But getting the shirt was an entire history, and here it is, courtesy of Cuatro.
Real Madrid was warming up at La Rosaleda. Manolín was shouting at Cristiano, hoping to get his attention and a souvenir. He succeeded, and Cristiano pointed at him, indicating that his sweatshirt would be for him. Cris then walked to the stands and handed it over, but while Manolín was confirming it was for him, another kid snuck up and stole the sweatshirt before running away. Manolín began crying, and Cris saw all this happen from across the field.
Xabi Alonso at France Football
Here are some excerpts from Xabi’s recent interview with France Football. Hopefully nothing got lost in translation, as it’s a translation from Spanish to English, courtesy of AS which translated it from French to Spanish.
Many footballers are moving from Spain to England, but you went the other way…
Yes, in 2009, and I think it was a good choice. After five years in Liverpool, I needed a change. And what better way was there to do it than going to Real Madrid, the greatest and most demanding club there is. The moment had come to take this opportunity. The day-to-day in Madrid is very intense and tougher than at any other team. What this club asks for is to win, win and still win, and while playing well. Liverpool won five European Cups, but it’s not the same. There, the day-to-day is more relaxed, easier. In Madrid, there are always pressure and demands. I wanted to see if I would be able to live up to this challenge.
in celebration of the 63 points…
… here are two moments from the game against Elche that got us there.
We have Xabi being muy jefe from the start to the finish, and Gareth Bale’s golazo leaving Sergio openmouthed in amazement. It’s a good time to be a madridista. And thanks to Real Sociedad and Osasuna for their stellar efforts!
ten recent madridista moments
Here’s a collection of recent moments that made me happy as a madridista, and that I wanted to share.
ONE. The presentation of the Ballon d’Or at the Bernabéu. A lovely golden and CR7 mosaic greeted our golden boy Cristiano when he emerged from the tunnel to play Celta.
Cristiano then presented the trophy to the fans. That was a wonderful enough moment (Mamá Dolores got all emotional, prompting Junior to give her a kiss), but then Junior’s father called his teammates over to share it with them.
who’s joining me?
I couldn’t have said it better myself. What an eloquent way to express the fantastic news! (I loved the way Xabi announced it too, with the photo of him in his now classic pose.)
El Pirata’s tweet says “all madridistas to Cibeles to celebrate that Xabi will continue for two more years. Best midfielder ever #14.”
Xabi Alonso at Fuera de Serie
The announcement of his contract renewal would be the best “regalo de Reyes” for us madridistas, no? Anyway, Xabi Alonso was recently interviewed by El Mundo’s revamped Magazine, Fuera de Serie. Here it is, plus pictures and a guide to Xabi Alonso style.
Those who know about football agree: Xabi Alonso is the player who brings balance to teams. He’s also a man with clear ideas and an icon of style and elegance on and off the field.
Receiving a long and unquestionable ovation in the Bernabéu is, probably, one of the biggest morale boosters a Real Madrid player could receive, especially if it’s also a desperate attempt to retain a crucial piece of the team. On the night of Dec. 18, the fans seemed to be saying to Xabi Alonso, “don’t leave my love, stay with me.” It’s obvious, as Ancelotti said after this display of love, that Alonso is “very good.” It’s not a surprise that the chaotic Madrid from the beginning of the season began to find itself after the midfielder returned to direct the play following his recovery from injuries. If there’s anything that personifies Xabi, it’s balance.
That night, as half of Spain watched the final of La Voz and the other half the final of Top Chef, he arrived at his home in the Madrid neighborhood of Salamanca feeling very loved. His three children, Jon, Ane and Emma, who are five, three and less than one month old, respectively, were already sleeping. He had difficulties falling asleep, as he usually does after games.
