Liverpool and Wales legend makes rare public appearance after health battle as Xabi Alonso hugs mentor who helped shape his career

John Toshack received a hero's welcome ahead of Real Madrid's clash with Real Sociedad as manager Xabi Alonso warmly embraced his idol. 

Liverpool and Wales legend Toshack has kept a relatively low profile in recent years due to a string of health problems. 

Back in 2022, Toshack, 76, found himself in intensive care in Spain as he battled an aggressive form of pneumonia brought on by Covid.

Having overcome that, Toshack was warmly embraced pre-match by Alonso, who considers the Wales great to be one of the most influential mentors of his career.

'I would not have had the success I have had if it was not for John Toshack,' Alonso said of Toshack previously. 

'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.'

Here in Northern Spain, Toshack received a standing ovation from Real Madrid supporters as he was awarded a gold and diamond badge. That badge signifies his time in charge of the team across 386 matches.  

Toshack, supported by his family, was congratulated on the pitch by Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay.

Toshack made 397 appearances during his playing career at Cardiff City, Liverpool and Swansea.

At Liverpool, he was part of three title-winning campaigns during their success in the 1970s, as well as the European Cup in the 1976-77 season.

He then left for Swansea where he worked as player-manager, guiding them all the way from the fourth division to the first division by 1981.

Toshack also enjoyed much success in Spain winning the Copa del Rey with Real Sociedad in 1987, the LaLiga title with Real Madrid in 1990 and the Spanish Supercup with Deportivo in 1995.