Xabi Alonso, a midfielder for powerhouse German club Bayern Munich, had some comments this week about who he thinks should win the Ballon d'Or Trophy, and the names he omitted are the most interesting part.
Alonso joined Bayern this season after playing for Real Madrid for the past several years, and the media did not fail to notice when Xabi Alonso did not mention Cristiano Ronaldo when asked about the player of the year award.
According to the Daily Mail, Alonso gave an interview with a German publication this week in which he showed support for Bayern teammate Manuel Neuer in regard to who deserves the Ballon d'Or trophy. "if Manuel won it, it'd be totally deserved," said Alonso. "Neuer is by far the best keeper I've played with and is also outstanding outfield."
Neuer is regarded by many as the best goalkeeper in the world, and his play in the 2014 World Cup proved nearly inhuman for much of the tournament, which Neuer's German side won. Many were quick to notice that Alonso also backed the German keeper at the expense of fellow Spaniard and former teammate Iker Casillas.
Naturally, the Spanish media did not fail to notice that Alonso had nothing to say about former teammate and reigning player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo.
Spanish media reports indicate that Alonso feels bitterness towards Real Madrid after leaving them this summer to play in the Bundesliga. Media speculation contends that the residual hard feelings may be the reason that Alonso left out Ronaldo's name and also backed another keeper instead of Madrid's Casillas, who is very highly regarded in his native Spain.
Below you can see an interview with Xabi Alonso after joining Bayern Munich.
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