Xabi Alonso has taken the hurt caused by Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez’s summer decision to chase Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, which however failed to be successful, in his stride and asserted that he is “really pleased” to continue his Reds career.

The Spanish midfielder looked close to be on his way out of Anfield after four years with the Merseysiders, but with Villa holding out for their reported asking price of £18m and not getting it from the Reds, the 26-year-old former Real Sociedad player got a chance to stay on with the English giants.

Alonso told the Daily Express: "I prefer not to think too much about how I was treated. It was a new situation for me, something I had never experienced before.

"It is a fact that any player can be really happy where he is, but if the club don't want him, he has to accept it. There is not much you can do.

"It is not always easy to detach yourself from things like that, but I accept it is part of football and the main thing is it was all resolved and I am now playing regularly.

"I was really pleased that I was able to continue my Liverpool career."