Ex-Arsenal star sold for £15m insists he would start over Declan Rice

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Former Arsenal star Alex Song has bizarrely claimed that he could still START for the Gunners in midfield 12 years after his exit. The North London side have enjoyed a brilliant season so far, with their midfield at the heart of things.

Declan Rice has become one of the most complete midfield players in world football since his arrival from West Ham United. Teammate Martin Zubimendi has also impressed hugely since his summer switch from Real Sociedad.

Despite that, Song still believes that he would be good enough to play for Arsenal . In an interview with ESPN Africa , the now 38-year-old was asked if he would be able to start for a host of clubs including Liverpool , Chelsea and Manchester City .

He outlandishly replied ‘yes’ to each of the trio before being asked about Arsenal, to which he replied: “Yes, Gunners for life! Yes.”

He then underlined his loyalties to Arsenal when asked if he would play for North London rivals Spurs. Song replied: “No. I will never play for Tottenham . Never! It will never happen!”

Song joined Arsenal from French side Bastia in 2005 and he went on to make 204 appearances for the club under Arsene Wenger . The Cameroonian was sold to Barcelona for £15m in 2012 and spent two seasons at the Camp Nou , helping the Spanish giants to win the 2012/13 La Liga title.

Song went on to play for West Ham United, Rubin Kazan and Sion before retiring in 2020. His claim is baffling given the form of the Arsenal midfield this season.

Rice and Zubimendi’s partnership has been a huge reason behind their push for the Premier League crown under Mikel Arteta. Mikel Merino also continues to impress despite his role as an emergency centre-forward.

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Speaking about the Spaniard after his goal vs Brentford , boss Mikel Arteta said: “He was immense again. The way he scored, super smart. His timing, the way he wins the position and execution.

“But his overall performance, with the ball, without the ball, I remember an action that he passed the ball to Martin in behind. Martin doesn't chase it, he makes 40 metres to chase it to the corner flag and goes back, wins the ball back.

“He is everywhere and his goal, with that really good momentum at the moment - he makes the team much better.”

Arteta will hope that Merino keeps up his hot form this weekend as Arsenal attempt to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League. The Gunners take on Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.

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