XABI ALONSO INTERVIEW: Reds legend opens up on Euro dream and leaving Anfield

“There is just one player who has won three Champions Leagues with three different clubs: (Clarence) Seedorf,” he said.

“Of course it is in my mind, of course, the end of my career is near.

“I don’t have many years left but for sure it is one of the targets. It is an individual target and it would be great to win the third one with a third club because Champions League is special.”

After Liverpool’s triumph in Istanbul a decade ago and Real Madrid’s decima last season, Alonso will tonight continue his pursuit of a share of a shimmering piece of sporting history when Bayern Munich face FC Porto in the Estadio do Dragao.

For Alonso to think of himself represents a rare moment of indulgence from a player whose team-first ethos has underpinned a glittering career in which he has already achieved much, much more than he ever dreamed of growing up in San Sebastian.

His trophy cabinet contains football’s greatest treasures. A World Cup winners’ medal and two European Championships gongs with Spain take pride of place, while his CV also reveals him to be a La Liga and FA Cup winner. Soon there will be a Bundesliga title and he hopes one more Champions League.

What is remarkable about Alonso is that his focus remains utterly unaffected. He attitude and outlook is anchored, he portrays no airs and graces, and his appetite for success is still voracious.

“It is not the time to look back, it is the time to look forward and be focused on the tasks and challenges that I still have in front of me,” he said.

“Once I have finished playing probably it will be time to analyse or be more proud, but at the moment no.

“It is nice, of course, and I am happy. When I started I would never have dreamt of being a World Cup winner, of two European Championships and two Champions Leagues.

“I am really proud and happy with how things have gone and now we will see how this ends (at Bayern). I don’t know how this will end.

“I like football and the clubs I have been at have been traditional, historic football clubs who are seen all over the world. They have their history and prestige and tradition, but have remained in the elite of European football.

“That is who I like to play for: teams who are important for football history. Liverpool, for me, the best in England, Madrid, for me, the best in Spain and Bayern, the best in Germany.”

At 33, Alonso continues to set the standard. He has found a special place of work in Bayern under Pep Guardiola’s tutelage where his quest for control is perfectly aligned with the Germans’ own philosophy.

Bayern are a passing machine and it is Alonso’s metronomic influence which Porto should be wary of in a quarter-final which serves up a repeat of the 1987 final which was won by the Portuguese.

“It has been a new experience,” said Alonso. “A new start, but so far so good. Now the big games are coming. When I left Liverpool it was a difficult decision.

“When I left Madrid it was difficult as well, but the feeling I had in my football career was to try new things and different experiences and so far Bayern is a great club and very, very special as well. It is a good experience.”

It was at Anfield that Alonso really forged his reputation and the esteem in which he continues to be held there was evident when he returned with stars such as Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres for the recent charity match featuring teams chosen by Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

On the pitch, Liverpool have missed Alonso far more than he has missed them. He has still to be adequately replaced six years on from his departure and the £10.5m Rafa Benitez paid Real Sociedad for him in 2004 is arguably one of Liverpool’s best transfer purchases of the last 25-years.

Yet the bond he built with the supporters is forever intact, evident in the reception he received, and he is hoping Brendan Rodgers’ side can sneak back into Europe’s elite.

“It has been years since I left and I didn’t have the chance to say a proper goodbye,” he said. “It has been good for everyone, but for me it has been really emotional to be back here and to say goodbye, or hello, I don’t know.

“For sure Liverpool can get back there. Looking back a few years ago, we won and lost a Champions League final and played another semi-final against Chelsea so we were there.

“Things can change quickly. It is not easy because the level among the European top teams is high but why not?”

Alas, Alonso’s visits to England are now only fleeting. He does not envisage playing in the Premier League again, although with his contract at Bayern due to expire in the summer of 2016 he is not sure what the future holds.

“I don’t know if Bayern will be my last club,” he adds. “In 12 months, I will have a clearer idea of what is happening in my life because that is when my contract ends, but nothing is sure.”

There is a chance of a return to where it began for him and to Sociedad. His name is already up in lights there, but do not bet against Alonso becoming only the second player to win three Champions Leagues with three different clubs in the meantime.