Ahead of the crucial Champions League semi-finals between Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, Xabi Alonso has backed his countryman Fernando Torres to make the Euro 2016 squad. Alonso and Torres enjoyed a good time at Liverpool and Alonso revealed that the pair enjoyed a good friendship.
However, the Spanish midfielder hoped that Torres would not be at his best against his side Bayern Munich.
"He's a really good friend of mine after everything we experienced together," Alonso said.
But Alonso added: "Out on the pitch we won't be friends."
The Atletico Madrid striker returns to action in the Champions League after being suspended for the second leg against Barcelona. Torres has been in good scoring form having scored 5 goals in his last 6 matches.
"I'm really pleased for him that he's back to his best," Alonso said. "He looks happy at Atlético. The fans love him, he's an idol. I hope he keeps it up - but only after this tie."
With the Euros coming up, Alonso has backed his compatriot to earn an international recall.
"If he carries on playing like this, he'll be in with a shout of going to the Euros, but that's a decision for [Spain coach] Vicente del Bosque."
Atletico Madrid deserve respect – Philipp Lahm
Ahead of their Champions League semi-final clash against Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm said it is a privilege for him to play for the reigning Bundesliga football champions, also adding that his opponent deserves respect.
"We are seven points ahead of Borussia Dortmund before going into the last three Bundesliga games and we could confirm a fourth league title in a row after the next match against Gladbach," Lahm was quoted as saying by goal.com on Tuesday.
"Atletico have great individual players from back to front, like defender Diego Godin and forward Antoine Griezmann. They are a team with quite a low average age, a club who always develop and count on young players and they are strong opponents who deserve respect," he said.
Lahm praised the Spanish club and their depth in defence.
"It's no coincidence that Spanish football has dominated every international competition for a decade. It is attacking, intense, fluid football played at a high technical level. And in addition Atletico have Diego Simeone, a manager with a good defensive plan," the 32-year-old said.
"We know what we want and have planned accordingly. We will finish this season successfully and ideally with three trophies in the merry month of May," Lahm concluded.
