Real Madrid had to give Xabi Alonso a �1.65million pay rise to keep the Spain midfielder at the club.
The 32-year-old�s new two-year deal signed on Wednesday will see his net salary rise from �3.3million to �4.95million and mean he now sees out his European career in the Spanish capital before one last lucrative payday in the MLS.
But Alonso had all but decided to leave Real Madrid as the club dragged its feet over a new deal, incredibly allowing the former Liverpool midfielder to run into the last six months of his contract.
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