Alex Song will be at the heart of the Arsenal midfield today as the Gunners go for three points against West Ham at Upton Park. And he points to Chelsea star Michael Essien as an inspiration as he learned the game as a youngster.
Song has recalled memories of his early days in the Bastia youth team, and some of the difficulties he faced on his way to becoming a professional footballer.
The midfielder has become an integral part of Arsenal’s midfield over the last two years, having initially struggled when he joined the club as a 17-year-old.
Song admits being in the Bastia academy was difficult enough, as he was away from his family in Paris, and that he rarely got to see his friends.
The 23-year-old is now settled in London, and married with kids. The hard work now certainly feels worth it.
He said: “You need to have a strong mentality because when you start at the age of 14-year-old in Bastia it is not easy because you have all your friends just go out when you leave. You have to be focused on the academy, work hard, go to training, go to school and come back home.
“You have to be strong in your head, and it was hard because all my family were in Paris. It was not easy, I just tried to do my best. But today when I see my friends we go out, and I think I did a good thing to stay in the academy. I made a lot of sacrifices but now I am very lucky man.”
Song also recalled that when former Lyon midfielder Michael Essien burst onto the scene, he was a big inspiration and influence on his career.
He added: “I watched Michael Essien in the first team, and it made me very very happy. When he started to play he did very well. Everyone just loved him. That is when I realised; if I work hard I can be like him. I think this time I can be a good professional if I work hard.”
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