Alonso plays down claims of Benitez rift

Spanish international Xabi Alonso denied reports that he left Liverpool because he did not get along with the English club’s coach Rafael Benitez, saying Thursday the two had a “cordial” relationship.

“I have said numerous times that my relationship with him was purely professional and cordial, of mutual respect, the classic player-coach relationship,” the 27-year-old midfielder told sports daily Marca.

Alonso on Wednesday signed a four-year contract with Real Madrid which the Spanish club said would put an end to its mega pre-season spending spree.

The club gave no financial details but Spanish media have reported that the deal was worth 30 million euros (43 million dollars).

“Being a Real Madrid player is a huge responsibility. I accept this challenge and I will try to bring to this team everything that I know how to do,” said Alonso.

“We should form a compact team to offer a good show and great football,” he added.

Benitez said Wednesday he was keen to keep Alonso but he knew that would not be possible when the former Real Sociedad star asked for a transfer three months ago.

“We would have liked to have kept him but as soon as he told us that he wanted to leave we started working, looking for players and trying to do the best deal for the club,” he told Liverpool’s website.

“The first idea was to keep him and the second one was to find the best price and the best replacement for us,” the Spanish coach added.