Former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song has made the bold claim that he would command a starting spot in Mikel Arteta's current table-topping side, while delivering a stinging rebuke to the club's North London rivals.
Confident Claims from a Gunners Veteran
In a candid interview with ESPN Africa, the 38-year-old ex-Cameroon international was asked if he would be a starter at several of the world's elite football clubs. Song backed himself unequivocally, answering 'yes' to Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City. When Arsenal was put to him, he responded with fervour: 'Yes, Gunners for life! Yes.'
This is despite the fact that Arteta's midfield is currently dominated by stars like Declan Rice and is reportedly targeting Martin Zubimendi. Song, however, believes the best version of himself would play ahead of one of them.
The Sole Exception: A North London Rule
The former defensive midfielder, who spent seven years at Arsenal, also gave affirmative answers regarding Newcastle United, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid. However, he was quick to name the one team for which he would never pull on the shirt.
'I would never play for Tottenham. Never. I will never do it,' Song stated, leaving no room for doubt about his loyalties.
From Humble Beginnings to Barcelona
Song's journey with the Gunners began in 2005 when Arsene Wenger signed him from Bastia for a fee of £1 million. Initially a trialist on a pre-season tour, he impressed the manager enough to earn a permanent move.
He went on to make 204 appearances for the club, evolving from a box-to-box midfielder into an orthodox number six. Despite never winning a trophy during his tenure, he remained a key figure before a £15 million transfer to FC Barcelona in 2012.
His time in Spain yielded a La Liga winner's medal in his first season, though he was largely a rotation option, making 20 appearances. Subsequent spells included a two-year loan at West Ham United, followed by moves to Rubin Kazan and Sion, before he ended his career with AS Arta in Djibouti.
While his assertion that he would start for almost any top team today may raise eyebrows, Alex Song's confidence and enduring connection to Arsenal remain undimmed, as does his fierce antipathy towards Tottenham.
