13 July,2010 07:27 AM IST | | Agencies
Xabi Alonso isn't impressed with Netherlands midfielder Nigel De Jong, after a kung-fu style challenge on the Spain star during the World Cup 2010 final.
Despite claiming the trophy after a 1-0 win, Alonso still had no sympathy for De Jong, brandishing the challenge "one of the worst" he'd ever been on the receiving end of.
However, referee Howard Webb decided it was not worthy of a red card is a topic of debate among Spanish fans, and even De Jong admitted he was lucky to still be on the pitch afterwards.
"It was one of the worst tackles I have ever suffered," Alonso told reporters.
"It was a tight game, there was respect from both sides and they had to close us down.
"But that challenge was really hard. It was one of the most painful tackles in my life and it was hard to play on.
"I have probably broken a rib, although I am not too worried about that."
Alonso was excited, though, about the prospect of defending the World Cup and European Championship crowns the Spaniards now simultaneously hold.
"Right now is not the time to think about the future, but of course the basics are there with this team," he said.
