Xabi Alonso: Leverkusen bids farewell to its champion coach

Xabi Alonso received an emotional farewell in his final home game as coach of Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen. Before kickoff on Sunday's match against Borussia Dortmund ( final score: 2:4 ), sporting director Simon Rolfes and managing director Fernando Carro presented the Spaniard with a large picture of the trophies he had won and a sign reading "Xabi Alonso Avenue." Fans paid tribute to the successful coach with chants of "Xabi, Xabi!"

"What we've experienced is very special and emotional. The three seasons have been incredible," Alonso told DAZN. He also hopes for "a fitting farewell in sporting terms. I want to give something back until the very last moment." His final game is on Saturday (3:30 p.m./Sky) against Mainz 05.

The Iberian's penultimate game with Bayer Leverkusen, which was his farewell match at home, was a resounding defeat for the Werkself. Nevertheless, Alonso climbed into the stands after the final whistle, raised his fist, started chants, and blew hand kisses to the crowd. Afterwards, the departing Bayer Leverkusen coach performed a lap of honor, receiving enthusiastic applause from the stands. "I'll never forget, and I have to be grateful," Alonso told DAZN. His time in Leverkusen was "a superb era in my life," the Spaniard added: "I'm very proud and will remain a Bayer 04 fan forever."

On Friday, Alonso announced that he will leave Leverkusen this summer. According to the Spanish sports newspaper Marca, the 43-year-old, who won the double with Bayer last year, will move to Real Madrid and sign a contract until 2028 as Carlo Ancelotti's successor. It is currently unclear who will be Leverkusen's new coach. Cesc Fàbregas and Erik ten Hag are being considered as possible successors.

International player Jonathan Tah was also bid farewell; he will not extend his contract, which expires in the summer. Loan players Nordi Mukiele, Mario Hermoso, and Emiliano Buendía, who will be leaving Bayer, also received applause.

RND/SID