Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has paid tribute to his manager, Xabi Alonso, who will be leaving Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Liverpool player joined the Bay Arena outfit in the year 2022, replacing Gerardo Seoane at a point when the club was having their worst start to a season.
After an impressive stint with the German club, Alonso, who signed Victor Boniface from Union Saint-Gilloise during the 2023 summer transfer window, will be leaving at the end of the season.
With reports linking Alonso to a move to Real Madrid, the Spanish tactician has announced his decision to step down as Leverkusen’s head coach at the end of the season.
Reacting to the news, the Nigerian international took to his social media feed to share pictures and videos of his time with the manager, accompanied by a simple but heartfelt four-word message.
“Thanks for everything, coach.” Boniface captioned.
The Nigerian forward has flourished under Alonso’s guidance, where he played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten run in the German top flight.
This message comes at a time when the 43-year-old Spaniard is widely tipped to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who is set to leave Real Madrid to become the head coach of the Brazil national team, per reports.
Injury woes have not been helpful in Boniface’s 2024-25 season campaign, but the striker has registered eight goals and assists this season and has been one of the standout stars in Leverkusen’s memorable campaign.
Should Alonso head to Madrid, Boniface, who is already on his wish list for his new setup, could be lured to Spain to battle for the frontline position with Kylian Mbappé.