The 32-year-old’s new two-year deal signed on Wednesday will see his net salary rise from £3.3million to £4.95million and mean he now sees out his European career in the Spanish capital before one last lucrative payday in the MLS.
But Alonso had all but decided to leave Real Madrid as the club dragged its feet over a new deal, incredibly allowing the former Liverpool midfielder to run into the last six months of his contract.
Paris Saint Germain were willing to pay him £8.25million a season with an £8.25million signing on fee, while Chelsea, Manchester City and Juventus had taken an interest in his situation.
But despite the prospect of earning more money elsewhere Alonso was persuaded by Real coach Carlo Ancelotti to think again about leaving the club.
Alonso had to have surgery on a pubis problem in the summer and had ruled out a romantic return to England because he felt the pace of La Liga or Serie A better suited his stage of career.
His head had been turned by Juventus where his Spain international team-mate Fernando Llorente plays but he told Madrid that if they made the financial commitment he would give them the last years of his career.
Under pressure from supporters and Ancelotti, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has given in with a two-year deal that also offers a third season if both parties are happy to sign until 2017.
Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂
