Alex Song Admits He Joined Barcelona for the Money
In a candid interview, former Barcelona midfielder Alex Song has revealed that financial considerations played a significant role in his decision to join the Spanish club from Arsenal in 2012.
Song, who spent four seasons at the Camp Nou before leaving for West Ham United in 2016, has spoken publicly about his time at Barcelona, but his latest comments have sparked controversy. In an interview with French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche, Song admitted that he was tempted by the financial package offered by Barcelona, which included a significant increase in his wages.
"I knew that I was going to earn a lot more at Barcelona," Song said. "It was a financial reason, no doubt about it. I was pleased with myself, my family, and I took the decision to make more money. It was a choice I made, and I’ve never regretted it."
Song’s comments have sparked a debate among football fans and pundits, with some questioning the motives behind his transfer. While it is not uncommon for footballers to be attracted by the financial rewards of playing for top clubs like Barcelona, Song’s admission may be seen as a disappointment by those who believed that his move to the Camp Nou was motivated by a desire to play for the Red Fives as a challenge and to be part of a historic club.
However, Song has also spoken about the challenges he faced during his time at Barcelona, including adapting to the club’s style of play and dealing with the pressure of playing for a team that is expected to dominate. Despite these challenges, Song went on to make 82 appearances for the team and scored one goal.
The former midfielder’s comments should not undermine his achievements at Barcelona, where he won the La Liga title and the Copa America, as well as a supertitle. His honesty about his motivations for joining the club may be seen as refreshing in an era where professional footballers are often criticized for their perceived favorites and various transfers.
In conclusion, Alex Song’s decision to join Barcelona was motivated by a combination of factors, including the financial rewards and the opportunity to play for one of the world’s greatest clubs. While some may question the veracity of his motivations, Song’s achievements at Barcelona remain impressive, and his candor about his decision to join the club is something that should be commended.
