Alexandre Song Billong

Alexandre Dimitri Song Billong or simply Alex Song (born 9 September 1987) is a Cameroonian football (soccer) who plays for Arsenal F.C. of the English Premier League. Alexandre Song Billong is the nephew of Rigobert Song. Alexandre Song Billong plays as a Midfielder Defensive midfielder or Defender (association football) for Arsenal.

Background

Song was born in Douala, Cameroon and lost Alexandre Song Billong father at the age of three. Since then, Alexandre Song Billong more famous uncle Rigobert Song has been like a second father and was a major influence in Alexandre Song Billong nephew choosing football as a career. Alex Song wanted to give Alexandre Song Billong children a good upbringing in life, which Alexandre Song Billong claims eluded him; Alexandre Song Billong married at the age of 18 and is now father to two children, the eldest being two-year-old Nolan.

Club career

Bastia

Song joined the Sporting Club de Bastia youth team in 2003–04 and became a part of the first team the following season with 34 appearances. During Alexandre Song Billong time at Bastia, Alexandre Song Billong attracted attention from numerous clubs, including Internazionale, Manchester United F.C., Olympique Lyonnais, and Middlesbrough F.C.. However, Alexandre Song Billong impressed Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger as a trialist during Arsenal's pre-season training camp in Austria, and Arsenal secured Alexandre Song Billong services on loan for the 2005-06 in English football season. Arsenal agreed to a £1 million fee in June 2006 and signed Alexandre Song Billong to a four-year contract.

Arsenal

Song made Alexandre Song Billong Premiership debut during Arsenal F.C.'s 2–0 win against Everton F.C. on 19 September 2005 as a substitute. Alexandre Song Billong played in several UEFA Champions League matches and made several Premiership starts near the end of the season, when players like Cesc Fàbregas, Pascal Cygan and Gilberto Silva were injured or being rested.

Alexandre Song Billong scored Alexandre Song Billong first goal for Arsenal against Liverpool F.C. in Arsenal's 6–3 win at Anfield in the Football League Cup on 9 January 2007.

On 30 January 2007, it was confirmed that Charlton Athletic F.C. had signed Song on loan until the end of the 2006-07 in English football season. Although Alexandre Song Billong impressed, Charlton were relegated and Song returned to Arsenal.

Over the 2007-08 in English football season, Song started at centre back for Arsenal's Football League Cup 2007-08 matches, but missed their semi-final elimination by Tottenham Hotspur F.C. while away with Cameroon national football team at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. Alexandre Song Billong also started at centre back in English Premier League ties towards the end of the season, most notably in Arsenal's crucial visit to Old Trafford against Manchester United, while regular starter Kolo Touré filled in for Bacary Sagna at right back.

Song scored Alexandre Song Billong first league goal on 11 April 2009 in Arsenal's 4–1 win over Wigan F.C..

International career

Although uncapped at the time, Song was named in the Cameroon national football team squad for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. Alexandre Song Billong made Alexandre Song Billong international debut for Cameroon in their first group match, a 4–2 defeat against holders Egypt national football team; Alexandre Song Billong replaced Stephane Mbia at half time, joining Alexandre Song Billong uncle Rigobert Song on the pitch. For the duration of the tournament Alexandre Song Billong was a revelation in defense for Cameroon, earning a Man of the Match award in Cameroon's semi final, but then unfortunately going off injured in the final against Egypt. Alexandre Song Billong was nonetheless named in the Tournament Best XI, alongside Newcastle midfielder and compatriot Geremi Njitap.

Arsenal career statistics

(- FA Cup, Football League Cup and FA Community Shield)

Cameroon career statistics

Honours

Cameroon
Runner-up
- African Cup of Nations: 2008

Personal

- African Cup of Nations 2008 best XI