Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has no regrets over his departure from Liverpool.

Then Reds manager Rafa Benitez was convinced that Alonso was eyeing a move to Spain but Alonso will argue that he felt put out when the club started making it known he was available for transfer.

Asked if he had a problem with Rafa at the time, Alonso said: "After 5 years I think I needed a change. It was the right time.

"It was a difficult decision to take at that time, but some things happen.

"Not that summer but the summer before when they tried to tell me that I wasn't as important [to the club], and they said to me that I could leave and I said 'ok', I said 'that's football'.

"But as well it came to my mind that my position it was different and the following summer I thought that was maybe the right time to leave.

"After I left... performances and so many things happen and that's always the way, some players come and others go, and I don't consider that [Liverpool declined] because of my departure.

"I still follow and I love the Premier League. I still feel really attached to Liverpool, I follow them and I consider myself a Liverpool fan."