Xabi Alonso: "This club will remain in my heart forever" | OneFootball

Despite the 4-2 defeat to Champions League chasing Borussia Dortmund, there was a party atmosphere at BayArena after Bayer Leverkusen’s last home game of the season.

Xabi Alonso and Jonathan Tah celebrated the occasion with the fans as they leave the club this summer. The double-winning coach shares his appreciation for the club and its fans after the game.

"The team, the staff, and every single player put their trust in me. They believed in my ideas. That was crucial for me and my journey here," said the coach who is now linked with Real Madrid’s job.

Ahead of kickoff, Leverkusen also announced a street named after Alonso by giving him the sign in front of fans. "Getting a street sign with my name on it makes me incredibly happy and proud. It means so much to me because it comes from the fans!

"I have many emotions inside me: I'm proud of what we've achieved here, and I'm grateful for everything we've done. I'll always have very fond memories of my time at Bayer 04, because I was able to develop as a coach here. This club will remain in my heart forever."

The fans chanted “Xabi! Xabi!” throughout the game and after the final whistle to thank the architect behind last season’s magical run. Tah, who captained the side in his final appearance at BayArena, also revisits the good times after deciding to leave the club he spent 10 years with.

"We achieved the double together. No one will ever take that away from us. Thank you for the years. You’re forever in my heart. And, I will never forget you. Thank you for everything," said Tah in front of fans after the final whistle.