Every time the issue comes up in an interview the 2008 game vs Inter gets mentioned. Xabi does not go into specifics but it is very clear that a point of no return was reached with regards to his relationship with Rafa when he made that decision. He left on his own terms maybe fearing Rafa would change his mind again in the future. As much as I love Rafa, this was his biggest mistake as LFC manager. Did his pride stop him from genuinely trying to make Alonso feel wanted 1yr later? I also think he lost the respect of some senior players following Alonso's sale. A few months later he was having words with Gerrard and Carra in the dressing room following a home defeat to Villa.