The former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song will face his old team mates for the first time tomorrow since he swapped the Emirates stadium for the Nou Camp. And while his time with Barcelona in La Liga has not gone according to plan since his transfer two seasons ago, Song has really started to shine again during his loan spell with West Ham.
The 27-year old central midfielder has become a key player for Sam Allardyce and has played a major part in their impressive start to the season which has seen them stay above Arsenal up to this point. Allardyce rested Song against Chelsea on Boxing day but that was probably to keep him fresh for the visit of the Gunners.
The Cameroon international will be trying not to think too much about his former team and to ensure that his current employers make it an unhappy day for us. In fact, Song may have an extra incentive to perform well, as he sounds like he would love to play for Arsenal again some day.
Song told Sky Sports, “Always, this big family will be in my heart. I’ll never forget because what I am now is because of Arsenal, but now it’s important to play against them.
“We’ll enjoy the game, it’s not easy when you play your old team. I just have to do my job.
“Right now, I’m a West Ham player and will focus on that game. We know it’s not easy, but I will try to help my team win the game.”
I am sure that Song is aware that his transfer to Barcelona has left the Gunners a bit short in central midfield and that the Arsenal fans expect Arsene Wenger to bring in reinforcements in January, so maybe he is hoping to show his old boss that he would be the perfect man.
I’m not sure how the situation is with Barcelona and his loan deal at West Ham, but do you think Wenger should pick up the phone and find out?