Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has refused to be drawn on his future with the Spanish national team.
The 32-year-old took his place in the starting 11 for La Roja’s last game in Brazil against Australia before they head home following an early exit after damaging defeats to Holland and Chile.
Alonso’s future has been thrown into doubt back in Spain after he criticised teammates for a lack of hunger and desire in the tournament, with many pundits suggesting it is time to replace the veteran midfielder with younger players.
Speaking to journalists after Vicente del Bosque’s side had strolled to a 3-0, Alonso dismissed rumours it was he last game for the national side, and that he was yet to decide on his international future.
“I’m still not at that stage where I want to decide. What I want is, unfortunately, to finish this World Cup, go on vacation, disconnect a bit and then do one thing at a time,” Alonso said.
He was also asked about talk of dressing room unrest, but stated that what is said within the changing room stays there. “I will not say the things that happened in the locker room,” he said.
Alonso added: “Our deficiencies depend on how you want to understand them. I think it is my perception but also that of many of my colleagues. We did not have the required voltage, or the competitive level against Holland and Chile. The co-existence between players from different clubs is the same as two years ago. Everything is much more natural, there are no such tensions that you might think. I hate talking about it.”
