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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jack Rosser

Marcos Alonso open to La Liga return as Chelsea contract dwindles

Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso says he would be open to a move to La Liga going forward and says he will see what happens this summer.

The Spain international will have one year left on his deal at Chelsea this summer, though the club are not currently able to buy or sell players due to the sanctions placed upon owner Roman Abramovich.

Alonso, 31, started his career in the academy at Real Madrid and made one appearance - as a 90th minute substitute - for the first team.

The full-back has come back into the side under Thomas Tuchel having been frozen out by Frank Lampard and has made 34 appearances in all competitions this season - largely owing to Ben Chilwell’s injury.

Asked whether he saw a move back to Spain before retiring, Alonso told AS: “I would love to play in La Liga, all my life I have wanted to play and be here in Spain, but the circumstances have been different and not everything has depended on me.

"At the moment I am focused on this season and what has to be, will be.

Asked whether he would consider Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid or Barcelona, Alonso said: “Yes, yes, I have family ties on all sides… Chelsea right now. I have a contract for this and one more season.”

The defender also aimed a swipe at former boss Lampard, who had all but exiled Alonso by the time he was sacked and replaced by Tuchel.

The German transformed Chelsea and took them to a remarkable Champions League title at the end of his first season at the club.

Alonso says the side took a "leap tactically" working under Tuchel following Lampard’s dismissal.

"Since he arrived, the team took a leap tactically and when it came to defending," said Alonso. "We are very happy with it."

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