Song: Barcelona are on another level

Posted Tuesday, October 16, 2012 by Supersport.com

The Cameroon international spoke of his admiration for team-mate Sergio Busquets, whilst recalling an encounter with a teenage Lionel Messi before the 2006 Champions League final

Alex Song says Barcelona are "on another level" and revealed his motivations behind signing for the club.

The 25-year-old joined the Blaugrana in a €19 million (£15m) deal during the transfer window, and has stressed he has moved to Camp Nou in order to win trophies, highlighting the team's remarkable desire for continued success as a big factor behind his move.

"I have come to Barca to win," he told Barca Magazine.

"It is a team that despite having won everything is still hungry for titles. That's why I signed. Because I always want to win and this team is on another level.

"I know the best are at Barca and I'm happy to be here because of that. I'll work hard to get to play as many games as possible."

The former Arsenal man stated his admiration for midfield counterpart Sergio Busquets, who he faced during two separate Champions League ties during his time at the Emirates Stadium.

"I already liked him [Busquets] when I was in England," he continued. "We played against Barca twice and I noticed him. I like the way he plays. There’s no doubt that Barca have one of the best players for that position, which is also mine."

Song also revealed the influence of two key figures on his game, in the shape of former Real Madrid midfielder Claude Makelele, and his uncle, ex-Liverpool defender Rigobert Song.

"He was my role model. I've always followed him, ever since I was little. He played in my position and was one of the best," he said of Makelele.

"I wanted to be like my uncle as well. He played at a high level and was like an advisor for me. We are still in contact. He’s coming to see me in Barcelona soon. I can now say that I have been as lucky as he was."

Song was part of the Arsenal squad which was beaten in the 2006 Champions League final by Barcelona, and recalled a chance encounter in the tunnel with another unused squad member that day - one Lionel Messi.

"I was in Paris for the Champions League Final in 2006," he added.

"I remember it well because Messi was in the tunnel and he wasn't playing either. Barca deserved to win. It was a good experience for me even though we lost.

"We didn't get some things right and that was why we lost. And Barca had a great game."