End Of An Era: El Niño Retires

I’m feeling a bit weepy. Nando played his final match for Sagan Tosu against a Vissel Kobe side that featured two of his closest friends, Andres Iniesta and David Villa.

End Of An Era: Andrea Pirlo Retires

pic.twitter.com/6TY539vB9z

— Andrea Pirlo (@Pirlo_official) November 6, 2017

A day I hoped we’d never see has arrived. I know that he couldn’t play forever, but my heart certainly wanted him to. L’Architetto is one of my all-time favorite players (truth be told, probably my favorite) and to see him hang up his boots is hitting me hard (I’ll be inconsolable when Gigi retires as well). His wit, style, class, and elegance as a player will be sorely missed. The game won’t be the same without you. Thank you, Andrea for all the beautiful football.  ::sob::

– Lozil

It’s Official: Morata To Chelsea

Chelsea won the race to sign King Muppet Baby for a reported £60m.

Arbie Calls Time On His Career

Saturday saw another former Blanco hanging up his boots. Alvaro Arbeloa called time on his 15 year career. 

I’m Just Not Ready To Say Goodbye

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And now, the end is near…

A post shared by Xabi Alonso (@xabialonso) on May 19, 2017 at 5:08am PDT

When Xabi posted this yesterday, I started blubbering like a baby and to be honest, I haven’t really stopped. Every time I try to write about it, think about it or look at pictures, I start wailing again. He may have been ready to call time on his career but I’m certainly not. So it’s going to take me a bit to be able to write coherently about this heartbreaking day.

But for now, I’ll just leave it at this: Thank you, Xabi.

– Lozil

Another Ending For Xabi

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Tomorrow is a special game. Back to Bernabéu. #miasanmia

A post shared by Xabi Alonso (@xabialonso) on Apr 17, 2017 at 1:59am PDT

He just loves to drive the knife in, doesn’t he?  I’ll always think of him as ours, no matter  how irrational that is. Today ultimately ended up as Xabi’s (and Philipp Lahm’s) last appearance in European competition as they are both hanging up their boots at the end of the season. That game had some very questionable decisions by the referees (in both directions) but I think, in the end, we deserved the win over the two legs.  I’m sorry to see the back of two such wonderful players, but I’m not sorry we advanced.

– Lozil

Xabi Alonso Confirms Retirement At The End Of The Season

Lived it. Loved it.

Farewell beautiful game. pic.twitter.com/1aSN7GGNzZ

— Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso) March 9, 2017

::Uncontrollable sobbing:: Xabi has confirmed that he will be retiring from football at the end of this season and posted this poignant photo on Twitter.

I knew it was coming, but it still hurts. Let’s hope our (I’ll always think of him as ours) GQMF decides to continue modeling because I don’t think that I can survive without seeing him regularly. What an elegant, smart player. He was  a pleasure to watch and I will miss him terribly. (And I hope that Bayern win lots this year so we can get at least one more look at Drunk!Xabi)

– Lozil

Booty CAAll With Only One A

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Si torna a casa…felici! #PalermoNapoli 0-1 #ForzaNapoliSempre @seriea_tim

A post shared by SSC Napoli (@officialsscnapoli) on Mar 13, 2016 at 5:08pm PDT

Three out of four members of the legendary Booty CAAll (Albiol, Arbeloa, Pipita, Calleti) posed for a shot on the Napoli Instagram. I miss these guys! But I know that they are well loved and that Napoli fan extraordinaire Maria Rosario is taking very good care of them, which is comforting.

– Lozil

Xabi Alonso For Porsche Design Sport By Adidas

Even though he is obviously trying to re-break our hearts, there’s no way that I won’t be watching this Xabi video on repeat. In his last outfit, it looks like he raided Iker’s training closet. Those are some San Never Nude tights for sure! H/T to mygypsyspirit who left this on my Facebook wall.

– Lozil

Stuart Holden Retires

A day after announcing the birth of  his first child, total sweetheart & USMNT national team midfielder Stuart Holden has decided to hang up his cleats. Poor Stu has had a ton of injuries and some really shitty luck, so he decided to call time on his career. He did it in his usual charming, humble style.