Former Arsenal star RETIRES from football at the age of 36, having not played for over a year… with midfielder also having played for West Ham
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A former Premier League star who rose to prominence at Arsenal has announced his retirement from football at the age of 36.
The midfielder played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs and represented his country Cameroon 49 times before turning his international career into focus in 2015.
After starring for the Gunners and spending seven years of his career at the Emirates, he moved to Barcelona, where he would win LaLiga in 2012-13 – his only major title in his 19-year career .
He would later return to the Premier League after two consecutive loans, joining the Hammers both times.
But now, after spells at Rubin Kazan, Sion and Sion II, the defensive midfielder would end his career in Djibouti, where he picked up two Djibouti Premier League titles and two Djibouti Cups – despite making just five appearances for his club, AS Arta/Solar7.
A former Premier League star who rose to prominence at Arsenal has retired from football
The player in question is Alex Song.
His last appearance on the pitch came in last year’s first round of the CAF Champions League against Al-Merrikh in September, but now the 36-year-old has decided to call time on his career to oversee the development of youth players at the African club. .
“It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my boots,” Song wrote on Instagram.
‘My journey that started as a child in Yaoundé, playing without boots, barefoot and on hard gravel, gave me the strength and courage to succeed.
‘When I moved to France and played for Bastia, I thought I had achieved a miracle. However, this was just the beginning as my journey continued to Arsenal and Barcelona, two of the biggest clubs in the world.
Alex Song made 204 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 10 goals and providing 23 assists
Song would later join Barcelona for £15 million before returning to England with West Ham
“So many people have helped me along the way: my wife, my children, family, friends, my agent, coaches and of course all my teammates to whom I will be forever grateful.
‘Of course Charlton, West Ham, Rubin Kazan, Sion and Arta/Solar 7 will always remain in my heart.
‘The fact that I have the honor of representing my country sixty times also filled me with great pride. I feel blessed to have so many wonderful memories that will stay with me forever.
‘Finally I would like to thank all the fans who have supported me along the way, I will cherish everything. I hope to see you all again soon. Alex. There is only one Song.’
Song signed for Arsenal in 2006 and made 205 appearances for the club, before making a £15 million move to Catalonia in the summer of 2012 after six years at Arsenal.
