Thai fans plead with Xabi Alonso not to leave Liverpool FC as Real Madrid court Anfield midfielder

XABI ALONSO may have been 6,000 miles away from Anfield but the message was exactly the same.

The thousands of fans who packed into the Central World shopping complex in Bangkok yesterday left the Spaniard in no doubt how desperate they are for him to spurn Real Madrid’s advances and commit his future to achieving more success at Liverpool.

Fanatical supporters packed out seven floors, dangling over balconies and off escalators, desperate to get a glimpse of their idol.

His arrival was greeted with deafening chants of “Xabi” as he made his way up on to the stage.

He was joined for the adidas promotional event by team-mates Albert Riera, Jay Spearing and David Ngog but there was no doubting who was the main attraction.

When the chanting died down, fans draped in the Liver Bird crest shouted: “We love you Xabi” and “Xabi we want you to stay at Liverpool forever.”

Some held up banners with one simply saying: “Please don’t leave us Xabi.”

Alonso bowed and thanked the fans for their support, and earned more plaudits by demonstrating he had made an effort to pick up the lingo.

“Sawatdee (hello) Thailand,” he said.

Cue another ovation which nearly raised the roof.