Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has paid tribute to Xabi Alonso.
Xabi left for Bayern Munich last week.
"He explained it very well; he needed other motivations. Everyone at Madrid has a lot of respect for him. It was very difficult to change his idea and we let him go. With the attitude he has had as a player and as a person it would have been very difficult to tell him he couldn't go. We have to thank him and wish him luck.
"He was very important in the titles we won last year. We have that position well covered with Kroos and Illarra, who could be very useful this season. Xabi leaving was a surprise because everything was fine; he has made the decision and we are a bit surprised but we respect it. He has been honest with Real Madrid and with himself. We respect him."
