Xabi Alonso has joined the growing list of retired footballers who have delved into coaching after their playing days.

 The ex-Spanish midfielder will begin his coaching career at Real Madrid football academy, taking charge of Infantil A youth team in Valdebebas.

The 36 years old who won La Liga and Champions League titles during his active days with Madrid, recently completed his UEFA coaching course in the Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF) Ciudad del Futbol.

He must now spend a year handling an academy side before he can enjoy official coach status by taking up a team at any level of the football game.

Apart from Real Madrid, the Spaniard also starred for Liverpool and Bayern Munich having began his professional career at Real Sociedad.

He helped the Spanish national team to winning the 2008 and 2012 European Championships as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup, scoring 16 times in 114 matches for his country.

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