Valdano: Real Madrid gaffed letting Xabi join Liverpool

Former Real Madrid sports chief Jorge Valdano says they gaffed when allowing Liverpool to sign Xabi Alonso two years ago from Real Sociedad.

Asked about Claude Makelele's controversial exit, Valdano said: "I believe the middle of midfield dictates how teams play and Xabi Alonso plays that role very well."

"I like players like Xabi, there are not many of his type in the world and I believe it was an error by Real Madrid not to sign him."