Not sure of spanish history/ politics but I thought that as a basque, real madrid would be the last place Alonso would ply his trade, let us not forget that Aldo was the first non basque to ever play for Real Sociedad, it means that much to them, with the spanish govt forever behind madrid they are as popular as the anti christ in the rest of Spain but especially in basque country, if Alonso were to return to Spain I would rather him not go to those flash bastards, make up with Rafa Xavi or stick to your roots!