"Rafa (Benitez) arranged this knowing what was coming. It was important that we know. So far, most of what is being said is a lie. We were negotiating through the press. It makes no sense," he said.

Meanwhile Alonso admitted he was pleased that progress was at last being made.

"It's reassuring to know that Madrid and Liverpool are talking seriously now. I decided a long time ago to stay on the margin of everything that was happening.

"My stance has been clear, as you all know. I'm a professional and I must wait for an agreement to be reached, but I hope it is resolved soon, for better or for worse," he said.

Liverpool's Xabi Alonso warms up during a training session at the club's Melwood training complex in Liverpool, northern England, November 25, 2008

【体坛英语资讯：Real Madrid closes in on Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Figure skating pairs eager for first Olympic gold

★ 体坛英语资讯：Nalbandian tames Nadal again in Paris final

★ 体坛英语资讯：Seattle guard Durant named Rookie of the Year

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Emmy Awards nominations announced

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Tom Cruise scared to star with Smith

★ 体坛英语资讯：Alonso crashes out of Japanese GP

★ 体坛英语资讯：Mourinho rules himself out of England job

★ 体坛英语资讯：Pierce: Go out and play basketball on street

★ 体坛资讯：Iraqi fans stock up on petrol and ammunition

★ 体坛英语资讯：Capello just the tonic for England