Audio By Carbonatix
Xabi Alonso will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, amid reports he will succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
Last year, Alonso, 43, led Leverkusen to the double of a Bundesliga title - without losing a game - and the German Cup in his first full season as a senior club manager.
The former Spain international played for Real between 2009 and 2014 following a five-year spell at Liverpool, before ending his playing career after three years at Bayern Munich in 2017.
"This week the club and I have agreed that these two games are going to be my last as Bayer Leverkusen coach," Alonso said on Friday.
"It is not a moment to talk too much about the future because we want to have a proper farewell on Sunday here for some players, for myself, and it is the right moment to announce it.
"We have to enjoy this moment with mixed emotions. It is emotional, I spoke this morning with the players, the staff, so many people who have helped me during an unbelievable, fantastic three years.
"Now is a moment to share it with the fans in this stadium where I have lived great emotions and become what I am right now."
Leverkusen host Borussia Dortmund on Sunday before concluding the season at Mainz on 17 May.
Latest Stories
-
Middle East tensions may hit Ghana’s pumps soon – Duncan Amoah
21 minutes -
WPL 2025/26: Hasaacas beat Army Ladies as Ampem Darkoa Ladies draw
31 minutes -
Five facts about Baba Sadiq, Ghana’s High Commissioner Designate to Nigeria
49 minutes -
Baba Sadiq Abdulai appointed as High Commissioner to Nigeria
1 hour -
Playback: The Probe examined Israel-Iran-US tensions and Ghana’s energy security
1 hour -
T-bills auction: Investor appetite remains at all-time high; interest rates tumble to 5.3%
2 hours -
Yes, we “eat Macroeconomics” because it is the foundation of every meal
2 hours -
Annoh-Dompreh launches Nsawam-Adoagyiri Eye Care Project 2026, screens 3,000 residents
2 hours -
British Iranians take to streets of Manchester hours after US-Israeli strikes
3 hours -
Gov’t confirms Black Queens are safe in UAE
3 hours -
Ghana’s Emmanuel Dogbevi re-elected Vice President of African Editors Forum
3 hours -
Three arrested over alleged mob killing of 26-year-old Liberian at Lashibi
3 hours -
African editors chart reform agenda and elect new executive council
3 hours -
At least 153 dead after reported strike on school, Iran says
3 hours -
President Mahama arrives in Tanzania to address African Court on human and peoples’ rights
3 hours
