Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard sends heartfelt message to old team-mate Xabi Alonso ahead of retirement

Steven Gerrard has paid tribute to Xabi Alonso ahead of his former Liverpool team-mate's retirement from football this weekend.

Alonso will take to the pitch for the final time on Saturday when Bayern Munich play their last game of their title-winning Bundesliga season at home to Freiburg.

The former Spain international will call time on a career which has seen him lift one Liga, three Bundesliga and two Champions League titles, with his first European Cup coming alongside Gerrard in 2005.

Ahead of Alonso's last game, Gerrard, who hung up his own boots earlier this season and is now working as a youth coach at Liverpool, recorded a video tribute for his old midfield partner.

“I just want to say a huge congratulations on your retirement,” Gerrard said in the video message. “What a special career, a fantastic player. For me, probably the most enjoyable partner throughout my career as a midfielder.

“The best passer of a ball I’ve ever played with and you deserve all the accolades you get, mate. What a special career for club and country.

“I’m very jealous of you having a World Cup winner’s medal, I’m very jealous of you having league titles in Germany and Spain, but you deserve it mate.”

Alonso spent five years at Anfield between 2004 and 2009 and scored Liverpool's vital equalising goal in their historic 3-3 Champions League final comeback against Milan twelve years ago.

The Spaniard eventually left for Real Madrid, one year after a fall-out with manager Rafael Benitez almost saw him replaced by Gareth Barry, and Gerrard admitted he was hurt by Alonso's departure.

“As I said, I couldn’t ask for a better midfield partner and when you left, it broke my heart,” Gerrard added in the video message. “You’ll always have a special place at this football club and you’re always welcome to come and visit.”

Alonso has made a total of 688 appearances throughout his club career, including 210 outings for Liverpool, for whom he scored 19 goals.