Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso claims if the Ex-Liverpool and Chelsea striker continues to play well he should be considered for Spain at the European Championship.
The Spanish international won European tournaments in 2008 and 2012 when he was in great form. Torres and Alonso were Liverpool teammates from 2007 to 2009 and won two European Championships and a World Cup together for Spain before Alonso’s international retirement in 2014. The striker has scored seven goals in his last 11 games.
“If he continues at this level, he will surely have the chance to play at Euros, although Vicente [Spain coach Del Bosque] has the last word
“I am happy to see him back to his best form and he looks very happy at Atletico,” Alonso said of the 32-year-old striker who has returned to his boyhood club on loan from AC Milan. “The fans love him and he is an idol there. He is also a great friend because of all the experiences we have lived together. But on the field we are not friends. He seems happy and well-loved, and I am glad for him. I hope he continues that way after this [semifinal] tie.
On his ninth Champions League semifinal, Alonso said:
“There are no such things as favourites in a Champions League semifinal.
“Even if Atletico had knocked out any other top team, I would still think the same. This just goes to show that Atletico are a really top club.”
On Pep Guardiola, the very good free kick taker said:
“He is very methodical and a student of the game and has helped me with many details,” Alonso said. “He has this vision of the game because he was a midfielder like me.
“He has shown me how to interpret the match, make the correct decisions and to anticipate what our opponent will do. I have no doubt that he will leave a legacy here and even if we don’t go to the final, this will have been a fantastic season. I will have good memories and I don’t feel that we will have failed if we don’t win Champions League.”