ALEX SONG NDANI YA NYUMBA

Unprofessional, lazy, late... and signed by Barcelona! Song delighted to be at 'best team in the world'

Alex Song has completed his £15million move to Barcelona after it emerged that Arsenal were happy to let him go.

Song was pictured at the Nou Camp on Monday morning ahead of his medical, which he passed without any problems.

And Song was delighted to complete his move, telling Barca TV: 'Today is a very good day for me and my family. 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.

Welcome: Alex Song poses for the photographers after arriving at the Nou Camp on Monday

'I hope the team will continue to win, this is a winning team. They win everything. I will give my best on training and when I get the chance to play I will do it.'

And Song believes former Arsenal team-mate Cesc Fabregas will help him settle at the Nou Camp.

'I know Cesc very well, I slept at his house last night,' he added. 'He's a very good friend of mine, he will help me to integrate.'

Barca doctor Ricard Pruna said after Song's medical: 'He has a very low body fat percentage and very good muscle quality. All the tests have come out satisfactorily and he is available to the coach.'

A statement from Arsenal read: 'The transfer of Alex Song to Barcelona has been completed for an undisclosed fee. Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Alex for his contribution to the club and wish him the best of luck for the future.'

Yet, Arsene Wenger sanctioned the sale of after becoming infuriated by the midfielder's lack of commitment in pre-season.

Fan's favourite: Alex Song shakes hands with Barcelona supporters following his switch

Thumbs up: Song was happy to call time on his Arsenal career once Barcelona came calling

 

And it has emerged that the Cameroon midfielder’s exit has been in the offing for months after a breakdown in the relationship between player and club over an improved contract.

As Sportsmail revealed last Thursday, Song will complete a switch on Monday — sealing the departure of a second key Arsenal player in less than a week.

But unlike the £24million sale of Robin van Persie, who was in the final year of his contract, to Manchester United, the Gunners were under no pressure to offload Song, who had three seasons left on his £55,000-per-week deal.

Club sources claim Song’s levels of professionalism had dropped significantly in recent months and Wenger decided enough was enough earlier this summer.

Welcome: Barcelona's president Sandro Rosell (left) shakes hands with Song

Switch: Song will have to fight for a place in Barcelona's team of superstars

Off you go: Arsenal won't be sad to see the back of Song after his poor attitude

THE SONG SHEET

In seven seasons for Arsenal he made 138 appearances — 121 starts — with 122 in the past four seasons.
Pinpoint passing — Made 7,312 passes and 85.46% found target. PL average last season was 79.65%. In own half, it was 91.25%
Tough tackling — Attempted 402 tackles and won 309 or 77%. In 50-50 battles, won 831 of 1,596.
Creative core — 120 scoring chances and in a more advanced role last season had 11 goal assists.

Sources also say Song regularly arrived late for training, took a half-hearted approach in sessions and did not follow instructions from the management staff.

Having established himself as arguably the club’s second-most influential player behind Van Persie, Song felt he was entitled to an improved contract and tried to open talks over a pay rise.

He will earn around £70,000 a week at Barcelona.

It is understood Song’s advisers tried to initiate contact over a new contract in January.

However, sources close to Song insist Arsenal delayed attempts by the 24-year-old to negotiate, leaving the player disillusioned.

Song is said to have been desperate to commit his long-term future to the club, but felt his salary should have been on a par with other top earners. Ultimately, Arsenal felt offering Song fresh terms was not a priority.

Hope that's not your contract! Song signs autographs for his new fans

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2190896/Alex-Song-arrives-Barcelona-seal-Arsenal-exit.html#ixzz247A3F7Ki