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Xabi Alonso in broken rib fear
XABI ALONSO was left fearing he had suffered broken ribs after describing Nigel de Jong’s kung-fu kick at him as one of the “worst tackles” he had ever seen.
The triumphant Spain midfielder was still wincing through the pain of Manchester City star De Jong’s first-half assault almost two hours after the final whistle in Johannesburg.
De Jong was only booked by English referee Howard Webb in Holland’s 1-0 defeat and Alonso said: “I am in pain now. It was one of the worst tackles I have ever had.
“The challenge was really hard, it was one of the most painful tackles in my life. It was hard to play on.
“I have probably broken a rib, but right now I am not worried.”