Santiago Canizares, a Valencia legend who now works as a football analyst, made a striking claim that Xabi Alonso is fully deserving of coaching Real Madrid after winning a tax case.

The Spanish tax authorities had accused Alonso of failing to pay taxes in 2012 while he was playing for Real Madrid and sought compensation of 288,000 euros. However, the long-standing tax dispute was recently resolved in Alonso’s favor, removing one of the major obstacles to his potential return to Spain and taking charge of Real Madrid.

Canizares commented on Alonso’s possible future at Real Madrid: “Xabi is an extraordinary person, and the beauty of talented coaches like him is their work in Spanish football.

Xabi Alonso won a tax battle last week, which proves he is a great coach because such a thing is very difficult. Winning La Liga or the Champions League is easier than defeating the tax office.

That’s why I say he is an exceptional coach, and I am proud that such a talented coach will continue his career in our country’s football. Of course, I cannot predict his future on Real Madrid’s bench, but I hope he succeeds.”