I was a waster who played for Arsenal and Barcelona but now I build apartments in Cameroon while winning league titles
ALEX SONG has confessed to being a “waster” during his early years at Arsenal.
The Cameroonian first joined the Gunners, initially on loan, in 2005 after impressing Arsene Wenger on trial.
He would go on to play for Arsenal for seven years… but claims to have been profligate with his cash in those days.
While chatting to NBA All-Star Pascal Siakam on Instagram, Song admitted that money was his main motivating factor for leaving the Emirates to sign for Barcelona… even though he knew he wouldn’t play much.
The midfielder said: “Most footballers live beyond their means.
“I was at Arsenal for eight years but only began to earn a good living in the last four. That was because my salary went up a lot – but also because I came to realise what a waster I was.
“During my entire time at Arsenal, I couldn’t even save £100,000, while people thought I must be a millionaire.
“When Barcelona offered me a contract, and I saw how much I would earn, I didn’t think twice. I felt my wife and children should have comfortable lives once my career is over.
“I met Barca’s sporting director, and he told me I would not get to play many games, but I didn’t give a f*** – I knew that now I would become a millionaire.”
After predictably limited opportunities at Barca, Song joined West Ham on two season-long loan deals between 2014 and 2016 – before spells at Rubin Kazan in Russia and Swiss side Sion.
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Now 35, the 6ft 1in ace plays for ambitious side Arta/Solar in Djibouti.
Previously joined there by former Hammers team-mate Diafra Sakho, Song has won two league titles in the East African country.
While continuing to play the beautiful game, the former Gunner has developed significant business interests.
He has founded a property company in Cameroon – building an apartment block in Douala.
Song also launched Canadian International School and College in Douala in October 2020.
Still going strong after two league titles in Djibouti, Song recently shared his pride at training alongside his 18-year-old son Kaylian.
After previously describing Kaylian as the “most talented in the family”, Song wrote on Instagram: “I realized one of my dreams training with my youngest son @kayliansong 14 years later than joy thank you Lord for making me live this training on the same ground with my son I had already thanked the sky for having me allowed to do it with @17nolan today.
“I am a happy dad thank you for all the love you are a man @kayliansong”