Alex Song: ‘Some Rubin players could play at Barcelona or Arsenal’

'I was not offended by Glushakov'

So, Alex, how is your life in Kazan? Do you like everything here?

I'm delighted to be here in Russia. I like the city and the collective very much. I don't know much about this country, which is new for me, of course. But at the moment I'm delighted with what I have.

Will you promote your brand here in Kazan?

First of all, I came here to play football. I will think about it first and do my best in the training. As for the clothes, let's wait and see. Now I'm focused on football.

How many hours did your longest flight take? Do you know such words as Chita and Vladivostok?

No, I don't. The longest flight was to China to the Olympic Games. It was very long, of course. It took 12 hours. But it was nice to be there.

A Spartak midfield Denis Glushakov has said recently he doesn't know who Alexandre Song is. Did it offend you? Do you know Denis Glushakov?

I was not offended, of course. However, if we are speaking about who knows whom, I would not like to argue and discuss it in detail. I think it is enough to have a look at my and Glushakov's bios. It speaks for itself.

The Kazan club decided to organise a press conference of the star in order to not to distract the player from training and rest

'Some Rubin's players could play at Barcelona or Arsenal'

The head coach of Rubin had told one should get accustomed to Russian football.

Every country has its own culture and mentality. I had a chance to have played in such countries as Spain and England. They differ from each other. This is why it takes time to get used to. The same thing can be said about Russia. When you come to another country, time is needed for adaptation. But the football language and football rules are the same everywhere. I suppose this is why there is not a big difference between football in different countries.

Does the training at Rubin have a big difference from the training at Arsenal and Barcelona?

On the one hand, it is different, of course. On the other hand, our coach is Spanish. We have many things in common with the training process at Barcelona. At Arsenal, they play with the ball more, there are more game exercises. But I think there are not any big differences. Some things in the training process are similar, other things are different.

When you come to another country, time is needed for adaptation. But the football language and football rules are the same everywhere

All people said you played well after the match against Spartak. But at Barcelona and Arsenal you had other teammates, and your talent was more noticeable. Have you noticed this difference?

Sure, Barcelona players have a very high level. But here Rubin also has good players. Every day we know each other, train together. I see that some of them can play at top clubs, including at Barcelona and Arsenal.

What do you think about Russian and Tatarstan fans? Do they have any peculiarity?

There is not any significant difference. But it seems that there are fans who strongly support the team. It helps during a match. It is very good when there are fans who are ready to support the team at any time and difficult moments.

Many of us associate football in Cameroon with Eto'o, Milla. Who do you associate football in Russia with?

Of course, first of all, I associate it with players who played in the national team. And now the national team of Russia has good players. At Rubin, it is Magomed Ozdoev who has been called up to the national team. I think he is the future of the club and the national team. Rubin also has other young strong players who can become the skeleton of the national team of Russia. Before my transfer to the Kazan club, I did not follow the Russian Championships much. I followed the championships where I played more. For example, playing in England, I kept an eye on the EPL, in Spain, consequently, La Primera.

It is very good when there are fans who are ready to support the team at any time and difficult moments

'I differ from not only local people but also from all people'

Why are you sad now?

I smile much (smiling). I come home and dance. I can't dance here in front of you all.

What else apart from football impressed you in Kazan?

Kazan is a very beautiful city. There are many beautiful places. I've not been in many places, of course, but I've visited the centre of Kazan. People also amazed me – they are open and very kind.

What can you say about the Kazan fashion and style?

Here people prefer casual clothes. It is even a bit unusual because I am a bit crazy about clothes, I mix styles. I differ from not only local people but also from all people. I wear what comes to my mind.

And is your hairstyle your own style too?

I constantly change my hairstyle. I like unusual things. If you look at my photos and videos that have been shot in recent years, you will see I almost always have different hairstyles and different styles.

I am a bit crazy about clothes, I mix styles. I differ from not only local people but also from all people. I wear what comes to my mind

How would you estimate you readiness on a 10-point scale?

I had a big pause. I have not played for six months. This is why I can't say I'm 100% ready. But I train and improve every day. I would put between 4 and 5. I hope I will add more and do my best for it.

'I usually sleep in my spare time'

You are superstar at Rubin. Does it put pressure on you? What will you do in order to justify your status?

I can't say I feel any pressure. Next month I will be 29 already. Many things have happened in my life: two World Cups, a final of the African Cup, a participation in the Champions League. For this reason, of course, there is not any pressure. I work for the good of the team. The same thing can be said about every player. We don't work for ourselves but for the good of the club and try to achieve as much as possible.

Will your wife and kids move to Kazan? What did your wife say about the idea to move to Russia?

As for the move, the kids were born and grew up in London and got used to this city, of course. When I played at Barcelona, they also found it difficult to move there and continued to live in London. At this moment they are still there, but they are going to come to Kazan soon. We will see whether they are able to study and live here. If not, they will return to London. I find it easier to move to another city, even to another country because it is my work. But it is difficult for them. They have already got used to London.

I speak French, English, Spanish. If I speak Russian, it will be only to my advantage

How do you spend your spare time in Kazan?

Usually I sleep (smiling). Of course, sometimes I go outside, go for a walk. But it happens rarely. After the training and matches, even in London, I usually sleep and recover.

Do you plan to learn the Russian language? In Russia, foreign players don't want to learn Russian.

I do, of course, if there is such an opportunity. I speak French, English, Spanish. If I speak Russian, it will be only to my advantage.