Former Arsenal, Barcelona and Cameroon midfielder Alex Song has announced his retirement from professional football on Tuesday.
The 36-year-old recently played for Djiboutian club Arta/Solar 7 after a nomadic career in Europe that made him ply his trade in France, England, Spain, Russia and Switzerland.
Song is the nephew of Cameroon head coach Rigobert Song and he was a member of the Indomitable Lions squad that finished as runners-up in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.
He played majorly as a central midfielder at Arsenal and won the 2012-13 La Liga trophy with Barcelona.
During his brief stint in Djibouti, Song back-to-back domestic double of the Premier League and Djibouti Cup in the 2020-21 and 2021-22.
The former Cameroon star called time on his international career at the age of 27 in January 2015 after he was dropped from the Indomitable Lions’ squad for the 2015 AFCON.
Song wrote on Instagram: “It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my boots. My journey that began in Yaoundé as a child, playing with no boots, in bare feet and on hard gravel, gave me the strength and courage to succeed.
“When I moved to France, playing for Bastia I thought I had achieved a miracle. However, this was only the start as my journey continued to Arsenal and Barcelona, two of the greatest clubs in the world.
“So many people have helped me along the way, my wife, my kids, family, friends, my agent, coaches and of course all my teammates whom I will forever be grateful. Of course Charlton, West Ham, Rubin Kazan, Sion and Arta/Solar 7 will always remain in my heart.
“Having the honour of representing my country 60 times also filled me with great pride. I feel blessed with so many great memories that will remain with me forever.
“Lastly, I would like to thank all the fans who have supported me along the way, I will treasure everything. I hope to see you all again soon.”
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