Roy Keane slams Xabi Alonso as Rafael Benitez explains contentious Liverpool exit

Alonso exit from Liverpool cleared up by former Liverpool boss

Roy Keane gives his verdict on Xabi Alonso’s Liverpool exit

The story behind Xabi Alonso’s acrimonious departure from Liverpool has finally been cleared up by former Reds manager Rafael Benitez, with Roy Keane suggesting the Spanish midfielder’s behaviour would not have been tolerated by Manchester United players.

Alonso was in talks over a big-money move to Arsenal in the summer of 2008, with Benitez revealing the midfielder was reluctant to play in a Champions League qualifier as he didn’t want to be cup-tied if he left the club.

Liverpool were trying to sign Gareth Barry as they looked to replace Alonso, but the Spanish midfielder ended up staying at Anfield for a final season before moving to Real Madrid the following summer.

“Xabi is a very good player and a very clever person,” said Benitez on the Stick To Football with Sky Bet podcast.

“He is someone who is right. I could carry on with him. Why we went for…