Song : “This only happens once in a lifetime”

The Cameroonian admitted at his press conference that as soon as he heard Barça was interested in him, he was quick to say yes, and added that he is happy to play either as a defensive midfielder or centre back

Alexandre Song is clearly thrilled to be here and said that as soon as he heard he had a chance of moving to FC Barcelona “I quickly said yes. I am very happy to be here in Barcelona. It is a big day for me and my family. To be able to play for the best club in the world is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” He was speaking in French at a press conference at which he was joined by vice president Josep Maria Bartomeu and the director of sport Andoni Zubizarreta. 

“My two sons are Messi fans” 

The Cameroonian has high hopes for his future at Barcelona. “I know Barça have won everything, but I think it’s a team that’s ready to continue winning everything . I’ll try to do the best I can to make sure things carry on that way”, he said. Song also spoke about his admiration for Messi, adding that “I have two sons that are crazy about him. When they play in the garden they pretend to be Messi. He is an amazing talent, he’s the best”. 

Whatever position 

Asked what position he prefers to play, Song was prudent: “At Arsenal I played in two positions [centre back and defensive midfielder]. I’m ready to play wherever I am needed”. He also added that his intention is not to steal the place of Sergio Busquets, who is “the best in his position” and described himself as very different to former Barça man Touré Yaya. 

Fast adaptation 

Wherever he plays, Song is hoping to adapt to life at Barça as quickly as possible. “There are many similarities between their style and the one used at Arsenal and I think that’ll help me to adapt quickly. And I also have a good relationship with Cesc”. The two players were together at Arsenal from 2005 through to 2011. “He has told me a lot about the Club” said the Cameroonian. 

Bartomeu: “Pure but short negotiations” 

Vice president Josep Maria Bartomeu admitted that “it was not easy” to bring Song to Barça. “As happened with Cesc, Arsenal did not want to sell him and were asking a high price, but we are happy with what we paid both for Cesc and Song. The negotiations weren’t easy, but the player wanted to come, and that made things easier. It was tough, but it all went much faster than other negotiations have done”. 

Meanwhile, Zubizarreta was full of praise for the Cameroonian. “Song was the first on our list of players. He is skilful and tactical, he is good on the ball and very fit. He has experience of top level competition and knows how to cope with high pressure and big demands”.

(fcbarcelona.com)