Xabi Alonso seeks home comforts for Bayer Leverkusen on his Ireland return

“I came here at 14 to Kells and I enjoyed my summer. It’s always great to come to Dublin since then.."

HOME AWAY FROM HOME: Bayer 04 Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso during the Bayer 04 Leverkusen training session. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Just 180 minutes away from invincibility, Xabi Alonso took the opportunity during his Europa League pre-match press conference to reflect on his first visit to Ireland.

The Bayer Leverkusen boss was just 14 when he arrived in Kells, Co Meath from Spain as an exchange student, staying with Liam and Fidelma O'Brien of Headfort Park.