Didi Hamann was full of praise for Xabi Alonso in the wake of the star midfielder's retirement announcement.

The Bayern Munich ace spent five years with Liverpool between 2004 and 2009, before enjoying a successful stint with Real Madrid.

Alonso, 35, has announced his retirement from professional football for season's end and the tributes have been coming in thick and fast.

Former Reds teammate Hamann told the latest episode of 'LFC Later': "He came to Liverpool at a very young age from Sociedad.

"People knew about him, but I think he made an impression in the first few weeks. People were not surprised, but really impressed by how good he was.

"His passing was second-to-none, like a laser; his all-round game was just brilliant, because he has never been the quickest.

"The way he played for Liverpool, then for Madrid and Bayern Munich – what a career. What a nice lad as well."