Ancelotti praises ‘fantastic’ Alonso and Lahm

Bayern Munich bid farewell to the retiring Philipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso as part of its Bundesliga title celebrations on Saturday, dousing both in beer to get the party underway.

Over the years, Buffon has enjoyed plenty of battles against the Bayern Munich full-back and it’s clear that the World Cup victor has nothing but the utmost respect for Lahm as he retires from the game.

After 16 seasons with the Bavarian giants, Philipp Lahm has hung up his boots, departing the game as one of the very best players of the modern era.

Alonso has made a total of 688 appearances throughout his club career, including 210 outings for Liverpool, for whom he scored 19 goals. What a special career for club and country. I want to do other things, meet new people, learn about different areas.

“I think the World Cup and Champions League triumphs are on the same level”.

Alonso made 114 worldwide appearances, forging a reputation as a solid tackler, cool under pressure with a heavy dose of Basque charisma. Two Champions League, one with Real Madrid and the legendary one with Liverpool.

Entirely scandal-free, Lahm has created a gleaming reputation as a reliable world class player with unique passing and tackling skills in almost 130 Champions League games, around 370 in the Bundesliga and 113 for Germany.

Well, Alonso is looking forward to life after football and the challenges it will bring.

Lahm admitted he would probably have some jitters as he took to the pitch one last time. “I hope it hurts him a little when I’m no longer there to play cards or sitting next to him in the changing room”.

Every year, the end of May is the hardest time for any football fan. “My wife is thrilled”.

“It’s an emotional day”.

Bayern Munich ended their season with a triumphant 4-1 win over Freiburg, capping off a fifth straight Bundesliga title. The last time on city hall balcony celebrating this last title with the fans.

“I love his professionalism and his quality”.

He said manager Carlo Anchilotti tried to make him play at least one more year. In doing so, Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning skipper achieved his 250th, and last, win in the Bundesliga.