Rafa didn't want Alonso to leave, not when he did anyway, it was Gerrard who had Rafa's ear over Barry.
In all honesty the season before his last one, Alonso had a bad one. It was the fact that he had probably his best season and was then sold that caused the uproar and the pain.
I don't think you can blame Gerrard for Alonso going. He wanted Barry, but that doesn't mean he didn't still want Alonso.
I also don't believe Rafa would be influenced to any real extent by what his players wanted.
Nah for me, Alonso had a bad season fellout with Rafa and Rafa decided he would "freshen up" the team, offered him around and no one came in for him. Juventus bought Poulsen instead of Alonso
Arsenal would only offer £16million so Alonso had to stay for another year.
The following year Alonso had a great season and decided to go. The tax and exchange rates change suited him, he felt aggrieved with Rafa and was sold.
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