Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso was flattered by the rumpurs that European Champions FC Barcelona are preparing an offer for the former Real Sociedad star. Xabi Alonso admitted that Barca has a special place in his heart and that he has a strong feeling for the Blaugrana. Alonso´s decision to delay the extension of his current contract only fueled the rumours of a return to Spain, preferable FC Barcelona. But at the same time the Liverpool star midfielder told the Daily Star that he is concentrating on Liverpool for the rest of the season and any prospective suitors for his services have to talk to the Reds first:

Whichever team has the intention of signing me has to talk to Liverpool first. Barcelona is a great city and the club has a special place in my heart because my father played there but in the world of football you need to use a cool head rather than a warm heart when you decide things.
Liverpool have presented me and my agent with a new deal to stay on with Liverpool, but I’m only going to make a decision at the end of the current season.
Right now I’m just focused on doing my best for The Reds as we’re at a crucial junction in the season and need to concentrate if we don’t want to suffer a reverse.

That scenario has only added heightened speculation but Alonso claims he is not unsettled and will only decide on his own future once The Reds' end-of-season fate is known.


"The rumours about my return to Spain are going on all the time. My situation is clear, if any club want me then it is obligatory for them to speak with Liverpool," Alonso is quoted as saying in the Daily Star.


"Now in my head I only have a place for The Reds. We are at a key moment in the season and I do not want any distraction.


"Liverpool have presented me with a new deal but until the end of the season I do not have an answer for them.

Barca captain Carles Puyol and midfield star Xavi Hernández both played key roles in Spain's convincing World Cup start in Leipzig, Germany yesterday when the Spanish international team defeated Shevchenko´s Ukraine 4-0.


Barca´s midfielder Xavi set up the opening of the goal festival by curling the corner kick to the near post for Liverpool´s Xabi Alonso to head home.
Valencia´s goalgetter David Villa scored the next two goals (deflected freekick and penalty) before Altetico Madrid´s Fernando Torres sealed the 4-0 victory. Barca captain Puyol did not only assist Torres' last goal after a great and powerful run from the defence but also marked and dominated succesfully new Chelsea striker Shevchenko.



Barca´s Andrés Iniesta did not play and is still waiting to make his world Cup debut.