Time is nearly up for Xabi Alonso.
No, he's not about to die, but the reaction of football fans to the news that the Spaniard is calling time on his playing days has been akin to mourning.
On Sunday afternoon, the World Cup-winning midfielder will take to the field for Bayern Munich in their final game of the season at home to Freiburg in what will be his final ever match as a professional footballer.
The 35-year-old, who won European Cups with Liverpool and Real Madrid,
announced his retirement a couple of months ago, breaking the hearts of many football fans the world over in the process. Now,
weeks on from being given a stunning ovation by the Bernabeu crowd after his final Champions League appearance, it seems many have still not fully come to terms with the imminent end to his career.
Not that anybody needed reminding, Alonso shared this Frank Sinatra-inspired tweet with his followers on Friday afternoon...
https://twitter.com/XabiAlonso/status/865539346593587200
... And, somewhat predictably, this prompted another wave of over-emotional responses.
https://twitter.com/Ohhmyisco/status/865541845245239298
https://twitter.com/MitchWaddon/status/865544247641907200
https://twitter.com/DaveOCKOP/status/865543256162959362
https://twitter.com/stuartereece/status/865541012302643200
https://twitter.com/Xabialonsismou/status/865546316142657544
Earlier, former Liverpool teammate
Steven Gerrard paid tribute to Alonso, admitting that it broke his heart when he left Anfield.
Clearly, Stevie G is one of many to have had his heart shattered by the man.
