Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso admits former club Liverpool still holds a very strong place in his heart.
The 29-year old Spain international returned to his homeland in August 2009 after five years at Anfield and says it was hard to leave the club which played a massive part in his career.
"It was difficult because Liverpool has been and always will be very special," Alonso told Liverpool.tv. "It is in my heart because I have lived very intense things there.
"I miss lots of things. I miss the lads, I miss the atmosphere at Melwood - it was a great place to work, and the scenario of Anfield is unbeatable.
"The special nights I have been privileged enough to live, those will be in my memory forever and they are difficult to compare anywhere in the world."
