Xabi Alonso Transfer to Chelsea News: Why Real Madrid Will Not Let Him Leave

Xabi Alonso made his highly anticipated return to Real Madrid's midfield on Wednesday and has declared that he is ready to talk about his future with the team.

The midfielder came in during the second half to replace youngster Asier Illarramendi and was greeted by a tremendous ovation from the Madrid faithful.

"I am very grateful for the affection and respect from the crowd," said Alonso, according to ESPN. "I value that a lot. On a personal level I am very happy as it has been five months. I have no problems and I hope to slowly get there to be able to help the team."

At 31 years old, Alonso is likely headed into decline in the next few years and there have been questions about whether he would remain with the team past this season.

"Now is the moment to begin to talk to the club about my future," Alonso said. "While I was not fit I did not feel up to talking. I have good communication with the club."

Alonso's absence for both club and country has been felt dramatically. Spain struggled to impose its tiki-taka style against Italy and Brazil in the Confederations Cup mainly because it lacked an additional midfielder to help retrieve the ball and provide the outlet pass to maestros Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Madrid's midfield has lacked consistency to start the year due to the lack of stability and precision passing that Alonso provides.

But is there a spot for the Spaniard in the squad? Illarramendi was brought in to be his long-term replacement, but has had some trouble adjusting to playing in Madrid. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has struggled to find a steady presence in his midfield core and has constantly shifted and rotated players throughout the year. On Saturday, he even placed defender Sergio Ramos in Alonso's position; an ill-fated experiment that did not last into the second half and earned Ramos a booking.

Madrid has the pieces to replace Alonso, but none have lived up to billing. If he returns to form, it is unlikely the team lets him walk.

Chelsea has been one team linked with an Alonso transfer as the player was well-liked by Blues Coach Jose Mourinho during his tenure with Madrid.