Xabi Alonso hails retiring Mikel Aranburu

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has hailed the impact of Real Sociedad captain Mikel Aranburu ahead of his final game before retirement.

Alonso, who spent five seasons alongside Aranburu at the Anoeta before leaving for Liverpool in 2004, believes that the veteran midfielder is so talented that he could continue his career if he so wished.

"He puts the collective before his personal interests," Alonso told diariovasco.com.

"Mikel could have continued for one or two seasons more, but he has served Real for 14 seasons and wants to leave on a high.

"This season he seemed likely to play less because of the youngsters pushing hard for a place in the team, but he returned to be one of Real's star players."

Aranburu spent his entire career at Socieded, making over 380 apearances for the club.