Xabi Alonso leads tributes to Liverpool legend in rare public appearance after health battle

John Toshack was celebrated in an emotional tribute during a rare public outing in Spain. At 76, Liverpool legend Toshack has faced health challenges recently, having been admitted to intensive care in 2022 due to pneumonia complications from Covid.

However, he was the centre of attention on the pitch as his old team Real Sociedad honored him with the Diamond and Gold badge - the most prestigious accolade the La Liga side can bestow upon their legends. The poignant moment took place before the game against Real Madrid, another club Toshack led to La Liga glory in 1990.

With his family by his side, Toshack was met with a standing ovation from fans of both teams and received congratulations on the field from Real Sociedad's president Jokin Aperribay, alongside Real boss Xabi Alonso. It comes after the Liverpool legend again left Trent Alexander-Arnold out of his starting line up.

Reflecting on his recovery from illness, Toshack had previously remarked: "When somebody tells you that you were out for two weeks, it's frightening. You can win a championship in two weeks or get relegated. When I think back on it now, it's frightening," reports Wales Online.

The Liverpool legend netted 13 goals in 40 appearances for Wales as a player and later took the helm of the national team twice, in 1994 and from 2004 to 2010. His managerial career spans over a dozen clubs globally, including stints at Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, and he is renowned for propelling Swansea from what was Division Four to the First Division in his inaugural role as manager.

His latest role was managing Persian Gulf Pro League club Tractor, a position he vacated in September 2018 after merely three months at the helm.

Real Madrid manager Alonso, himself a former Liverpool star, was amongst those who offered tributes to Toshack before the match.

Toshack was a bona fide football icon during his playing career. He joined Liverpool in 1970 for £100,000 from Cardiff, subsequently claiming nine honours, including three First Division crowns and a European Cup.

A 40-year management career followed, encompassing some of the globe's most prestigious clubs, alongside those two spells leading Wales.

Throughout his tenure with the national side, Toshack sparked the youth movement that witnessed players like Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen earn their Wales caps as teenagers, eventually progressing to reach the Euros semi-finals.

His work has spanned across Europe, with appointments in Turkey, France and Macedonia, in addition to Spain.

Speaking to The Daily Mail in 2012, Alonso revealed how Toshack's choice to bring him back from a loan spell gave him an opportunity in his senior Sociedad team.

"I would not have had the success I have had if it was not for John Toshack I was on loan in the Spanish second division when he called me back to play for Real Sociedad and the team were not in a good situation.

"I was 19, but he said: 'I have the confidence in you that you can help turn this season around'. Since he put that confidence in me I have never looked back."

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