Arsenal and West Ham legend signed with Barcelona to become a ‘millionaire’ and admired ‘the King’
Song, who announced his retirement at the end of last year, also spent time at Arsenal and West Ham before hanging up his boots. Song began his career in France, coming through the ranks at Bastia before catching the eye of legendary Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
He went on to spend a huge chunk of his salary on an expensive sports car, the same one driven by his idol Thierry Henry, but eventually had to return it due to its sky-high running costs. In an interview with basketball star Pascal Siakam a few years back, Song explained: “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.
When I first joined them I was getting £15,000 a week. I was a young lad and I was ecstatic.
The Cameroonian midfielder idolised Thierry Henry while playing for the Gunners (Image: GETTY). “I wanted to rub shoulders with the big boys.
I would go to training and see Thierry Henry, the King, turn up in an absolute gem of a car. I told myself I wanted the same car at all costs.
All my money was going on filling it with petrol. I told them: ‘Give me a Toyota – this car’s too much for me’.”
Song went on to leave Arsenal in 2012, joining Barcelona in the biggest move of his professional career. “When Barcelona offered me a contract, and I saw how much I would earn, I didn’t think twice,” said Song.
“I felt my wife and children should have comfortable lives once my career is over. I knew that now I would become a millionaire.”
Song ended up making a total of 65 appearances for Barcelona before joining Rubin Kazan on a free transfer in 2016. During the latter stages of his career, he also represented Swiss outfit Sion and Djiboutian club Arta/Solar 7 before announcing his retirement in December.
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