Like a character from a Leo Tolstoy novel, Alex Song is off to the Republic of Tatarstan — a former Barcelona nobleman whose links with high society have been severed.
Alex Song’s career has taken in the sights of beautiful Barcelona, Spain and both West and East London with Arsenal and West Ham United, but the 28-year-old is about to embark on his greatest adventure yet.
The former Cameroon midfielder has accounted for €23 million worth of transfer fees throughout his career, but his latest move will cost Russian club Rubin Kazan nothing.
Barcelona spent €19 million on Song after a breakout year with Arsenal back in 2012, but Song will now ply his trade in the Republic of Tatarstan with a club that generally plays in front of 11,000 supporters at a 45,000 capacity ground.
Kazan’s largely cosmopolitan lineup, the club currently features France’s Yann M’Vila, Brazil’s Jonathas, Peru’s Carlos Zambrano and Spain’s Ruben Rochina, has accounted for a lot of their recent success including the 2011-12 Russian Cup and 2012 Russian Super Cup.
Song couldn’t be more thrilled to represent the Tatars. Just look at this revealing video posted on Rubin Kazan’s twitter. That’s Song giving a thumbs up five times in the space of of 10 seconds, roughly one thumbs up every two seconds. I doubt you’ve ever been so excited about anything in your whole life.
Теперь официально - Алекс Сонг стал игроком нашей команды#СонгНаш #НашРубин pic.twitter.com/LfR0w6AKWj
— «Рубин» Казань (@fcrk) August 1, 2016
This video is in stark contrast to the photograph Kazan used to unveil Song. Maybe they wanted to intimidate the opposition or impress supporters with Song’s rugged demeanor, but he really looks like he’s issuing a plea to Alan Pulido to come and save him.
"Alan Pulido, can you hear me?" Photo: @101greatgoals | TwitterRubin Kazan finished the 2015-16 season in 10th place, winning a total of nine of their 30 matches. Accordingly, they’ll not be involved in European competition this year.
Have we seen the last of Alex Song? Probably.
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