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Xabi Alonso Q&A
(this article is a couple weeks old, but i only saw it now!)
It's top secret: Madrid's Alonso talks about Zidane, Toshack, silly pranks and fish
Who is your sporting hero?
Zinedine Zidane. What he could do with a football is a dream for most of us.
What would you be if you weren't a sportsman?
My father was a football player and while he never pushed us, his influence meant it was something that happened. I have never thought about doing anything else.
Which other sportsman would you like to be?
I have admiration for guys like Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Pavel Nedved and Zidane, but I would not swap my career for anything.
Career highlight
It would have to be the World Cup final win. It is the trophy all young boys dream of when they start out.
...And the worst moment?
The Champions League final defeat with Liverpool in 2007. Liverpool has a proud history in the European Cup and it was not a good night in my life.
If your house was burning down, what one possession would you save?
My World Cup winner's medal.
What's the best advice you've ever been given?
I would not have had the success I have had if it was not for John Toshack. I was on loan in the Spanish second division when he called me back to play for Real Sociedad and the team were not in a good situation.
I was 19, but he said: 'I have the confidence in you that you can help turn this season around.' Since he put that confidence in me I have never looked back.
Favourite karaoke song?
It is not such a big thing in Spain like it is in England. You'll Never Walk Alone means so much to me, though. When I hear it, it makes me feel something inside.
The most listened to songs on your iPod?
Otherside and Californication by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I also went to see a Coldplay concert when I was playing for Liverpool and they were incredible.
Last film you saw?
The Shawshank Redemption is on cable a lot at the moment and it is my favourite. A great message of hope.
Last book you read?
I like to read books about rock 'n' roll.
Favourite pre-match meal?
Chicken and rice is very simple, but I like it and you get all you need.
Can you cook? Best dish?
I love to buy fresh fish and turbot is one of my favourites. So I would say a grilled turbot with vegetables from Navarre.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Los Angeles. I am a city guy.
What's the most expensive thing you've ever bought?
I like to buy watches and cars. I drive an Audi, but I have always wanted an Aston Martin like the one James Bond drives.
Tell us a secret...
When I was younger I was a prankster. When I stayed at my grandmother's house we did most of our pranks because she didn't really tell us off. We used to stand on a bridge near her house and throw things off at passers by.
source.
It's top secret: Madrid's Alonso talks about Zidane, Toshack, silly pranks and fish
Who is your sporting hero?
Zinedine Zidane. What he could do with a football is a dream for most of us.
What would you be if you weren't a sportsman?
My father was a football player and while he never pushed us, his influence meant it was something that happened. I have never thought about doing anything else.
Which other sportsman would you like to be?
I have admiration for guys like Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Pavel Nedved and Zidane, but I would not swap my career for anything.
Career highlight
It would have to be the World Cup final win. It is the trophy all young boys dream of when they start out.
...And the worst moment?
The Champions League final defeat with Liverpool in 2007. Liverpool has a proud history in the European Cup and it was not a good night in my life.
If your house was burning down, what one possession would you save?
My World Cup winner's medal.
What's the best advice you've ever been given?
I would not have had the success I have had if it was not for John Toshack. I was on loan in the Spanish second division when he called me back to play for Real Sociedad and the team were not in a good situation.
I was 19, but he said: 'I have the confidence in you that you can help turn this season around.' Since he put that confidence in me I have never looked back.
Favourite karaoke song?
It is not such a big thing in Spain like it is in England. You'll Never Walk Alone means so much to me, though. When I hear it, it makes me feel something inside.
The most listened to songs on your iPod?
Otherside and Californication by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I also went to see a Coldplay concert when I was playing for Liverpool and they were incredible.
Last film you saw?
The Shawshank Redemption is on cable a lot at the moment and it is my favourite. A great message of hope.
Last book you read?
I like to read books about rock 'n' roll.
Favourite pre-match meal?
Chicken and rice is very simple, but I like it and you get all you need.
Can you cook? Best dish?
I love to buy fresh fish and turbot is one of my favourites. So I would say a grilled turbot with vegetables from Navarre.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Los Angeles. I am a city guy.
What's the most expensive thing you've ever bought?
I like to buy watches and cars. I drive an Audi, but I have always wanted an Aston Martin like the one James Bond drives.
Tell us a secret...
When I was younger I was a prankster. When I stayed at my grandmother's house we did most of our pranks because she didn't really tell us off. We used to stand on a bridge near her house and throw things off at passers by.
source.