Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has admitted that he will miss playing at Athletic Bilbao's home ground, which will be demolished to give way to their new venue, the Estadio San Mames Barria.

The Spain international played at the San Mames from 1999 until 2004 when he was part of Bilbao's first team.

"Coming here knowing it was the last time was special," Madrid's official website quotes him as saying.

"Whenever I've played here I've enjoyed it and I'm going to miss it, but you have to move forward."

Alonso featured in Madrid's 3-0 victory over Bilbao at the San Mames in La Liga on Sunday.