Liverpool will always be close to the heart of XAbi Alonso.

The Spanish midfielder spent five years at Anfield before departing Merseyside for Real Madrid in 2009.

The Bayern Munich star, who recently announced his retirement from the game, says he will always feel closely attached to the Liverpool Football Club such is his affinity with the place.

“Liverpool is still a big part of my life and always will be," Alonso told the Liverpool Echo.

“I still feel very attached to the club, even not being there, and I still follow the club.

“I stay in contact with friends I have in Liverpool. It's not a normal club, it's so special and very important to me."

Xabi, who joined the Reds from Real Sociedad in 2004, added: “I really loved it from the first moment.

“The expectations were high but the moments and the feelings were even better.

“The mystique of coming down that tunnel at Anfield, touching the sign, watching the Kop signing You'll Never Walk Alone. Having that made it easier to have such a close attachment and strong commitment with the club and the fans.

“I've never pretended to be someone I am not. I have always tried to be a normal one.

“The personality of Liverpool people is very particular. They like you to be one of them. If you are in the bar, they offer to get you a pint. They want you to feel welcome. I felt that from the very beginning."