Xabi Alonso hopes his row with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is now over after he chose to stay on Merseyside for the birth of his son ahead of playing at Inter Milan.

He said: "I will always accept the orders of my coach and I don't think that anyone can question my professionalism. But there are occasions in life when some things take priority over sport and that was definitely one of them.

"I know I was criticised but it's over. For me that is forgotten now.

"I was convinced we would win in the San Siro anyway as in the Champions League we always seem to be a different team from how we are in the League at home.

"I have a contract until 2012 and I'm quite satisfied about my future."