Dear football,
Today, I want to share with you that this season will be my last as a professional footballer. After so many years living my dream, I feel it’s time to start a new chapter in my life.
Being honest, even though I have been preparing myself for this moment, I found it hard to write this letter. After 20 seasons , many people have played an important role in my career.
When I first kicked a ball as a child in Pamplona with my schoolmates, I never imagined the amazing journey ahead. I’m grateful for every moment: the wins, the tough losses, the challenges, and most of all, the people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve made along the way.
To my teammates, coaches, and every staff member at all the clubs I’ve been lucky to be part of, thank you for helping me grow as a person and a player every day. Wearing the shirts of CA Osasuna, Olympique Marseille, Chelsea FC, Atlético de Madrid, Sevilla FC, and representing my country at the biggest stages has been a true privilege. Every moment has meant so much to me…
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the Men’s Team.
The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Welcome to Chelsea, Xabi!
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Agreement complete for Xabi Alonso to become Chelsea manager. 44yo Spaniard visited London early last week & accepted opportunity; 4yr contract now finalised - announcement imminent. Primary target throughout + wanted #CFC move @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/4022hQsMXA
🚨 Chelsea closing in on an agreement with Xabi Alonso to become head coach.
Club's full focus is now on the FA Cup Final, but talks have advanced and will resume following Saturday's game at Wembley.
#CFC want a quick appointment.
🤝 @alex_crook
https://t.co/tLof6979tl
🚨 Understand Chelsea hope to appoint a successor to replace Liam Rosenior before the World Cup starts.
Xabi Alonso is currently a leading contender and Chelsea have already made contact with the former Real Madrid and Leverkusen boss. Alonso is keen on a Premier League job this summer.
Fulham’s Marco Silva and outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola both remain on the list.
Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and ex-Flamengo coach Filipe Luis are new names under consideration, as @Matt_Law_DT and @SamiMokbel_BBC called.
Luis was a name Chelsea discussed before appointing Rosenior with talks eventually centring on a potential switch to Strasbourg prior to Gary O’Neil’s appointment.
And Cesc Fabregas and Francesco Fariola both have admirers. However, Fabregas has said he's in no rush to leave Como, while sources close to Fariola insist he’ll remain in Portugal.🔵
More on @talkSPORT.🎙️
🤝 @alex_crook
The 45 minutes I’ve just seen. We are not too good to go down next season. These players are SPINELESS. Once again they’d be making it less obvious if they just spat on the badge they’ve been that disgusting this season.