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FP/Barcelona
Alex Song speaks to journalists at his unveiling at Barca yesterday
Cameroon international Alex Song says he is “happy to join the best team in the world” after signing with Barcelona from Arsenal in a transfer worth 19mn euros ($23.67mn).
“A few weeks ago, I was set to extend my contract with Arsenal and it was taking some time. But when Barcelona arrived, I said yes straight away, because Barcelona is not a team to be turned down and when the train arrives once in a lifetime, you have to take your chance,” he told reporters as he was unveiled at a club presentation.
The 25-year-old—who is related to Cameroon legend Rigobert Song—had three years left to run on his contract with Arsenal but scrapped that in favour of a five-year deal with the four-time European champions.
“I am happy to be here and it is a pleasure for me to come to Barcelona, because it is a dream come true. Barcelona are the best club in the world, the best team in the world with some of the most talented players in the world,” he added.
“It is an immense joy for me and my family,” he added. I have two boys who adore (Lionel) Messi the whole year long and only speak about him and it will be a great joy to have the opportunity to play with him.
“Today, I am a Barcelona player and I will do everything to give the best I possibly can, because it is Barcelona and it is a team of winners, a team of champions”.
Song becomes the second key player to leave Arsenal after Dutchman Robin van Persie signed with Manchester United last week for 30.4mn euros.
Barcelona opened their La Liga season last Sunday with a 5-1 thumping over Real Sociedad, helped by two goals from Messi.
nNew Everton signing Kevin Mirallas revealed yesterday that he turned down the chance to move to Arsenal after Gunners’ manager Arsene Wenger failed to guarantee him enough time on the pitch.
The Belgian international striker, who was signed from Greek champions Olympiakos for £6 million ($9.5m) last week, added that he took advice from national team colleague Marouane Fellaini before opting to sign on at Goodison Park.
“Discussions were at quite an advanced stage with Arsenal but it was always clear it would be totally down to me to make the decision,” said the 24-year-old.
“I was convinced that what was important for me at this stage of my career, embarking on a new league, is to get plenty of time on the field.
“I had a possibility of playing more games and longer periods with Everton.”
On Fellaini’s influence he said: “Marouane being here was also decisive in making my decision also.
“We had a couple of phone conversations and it definitely influenced my decision.
“He convinced me the club was an ideal fit for me and hopefully it is a place where I can exploit my talents and grow as a player and perform well.”
Mirallas, who signed a four-year deal on Sunday, was presented to the Goodison Park crowd before Monday night’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United in which Fellaini netted the winning goal.