Song savouring Barcelona opportunity

MADRID – Alex Song has said that he fulfilled a childhood dream by clinching a move to Barcelona and now the former Arsenal midfielder wants to build up a trophy collection.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Alex Song (L) jokes with his new Barcelona team-mate Cesc Fabregas (R) at the Nou Camp. Net photo.

MADRID – Alex Song has said that he fulfilled a childhood dream by clinching a move to Barcelona and now the former Arsenal midfielder wants to build up a trophy collection.Monday saw Cameroon international Song finalise his £15million move away from north London, signing a five-year contract. After seven seasons with Arsenal, in which the club was unable to land any silverware, Song is relishing the prospect of joining a team that has made trophy-winning a habit, albeit one deposed as Spanish champions by Real Madrid last term.The 24-year-old said: "(I am) very happy to be here, this is the best team in the world. Playing at a club like Barca is something I wanted when I was young. I hope the team will continue to win, this is a winning team. They win everything. I will give my best in training and when I get the chance to play.”Song believes his former Arsenal team-mate Cesc Fabregas, now established as a key figure at the Camp Nou a year after moving from the Emirates Stadium, can help him settle. He said: "I know Cesc very well, I slept at his house (on Sunday). He’s a very good friend of mine, he will help me to integrate.”Song joined his new team-mates for the official team presentation at the Joan Gamper Trophy at the Nou Camp Monday night. He becomes the club’s second major signing of the summer following the capture of Spain full-back Jordi Alba from Valencia.During manager Arsene Wenger’s reign at Arsenal, Marc Overmars, Emmanuel Petit, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Thierry Henry, Alexander Hleb, Fabregas and now Song have made the switch to Barcelona. Song could make his debut on Thursday when Barcelona play Real Madrid in the first leg of the Spanish Supercopa.