ON-SONG ALEX IS ALL THE FASHION
ALEX SONG is the man to be beaten for style in the East End of London right now. The 27-year-old is certainly fashionable at West Ham after a series of impressive displays, and you’ll find various pictures of him sporting outrageous outfits on his Instagram account.
Pink cardigan, large trilby hat, a sarong draped over white jeans complete with white shirt, white cap and large red moonboot sneakers. That’s just for starters.
The Hammers staff and players are often amazed by his wardrobe choices. Not that it bothers the on-loan Barcelona man one bit.
‘Everyone who knows me knows that I love clothes and to dress well,’ says Song. ‘I’m an extravagant guy. I’ll never change.’
Song even has his own fashion label — Systeme Tchakap. It refers to an African way of life, living with a certain freedom and independence. His brand of clothing is so popular that superstars like Lionel Messi and Neymar are happy to showcase his designs.
And there have been several stylish displays from Song on the pitch. In seven league games with Song at the heart of the Hammers’ midfield, Sam Allardyce’s side have won four, drawn two and lost one.
Co- chairman David Gold has been inundated with Twitter messages from fans, urging him to make the transfer permanent. Song insists discussions will take place.
‘It’s different to when I was playing at Arsenal and Barcelona,’ Song admits. ‘I know it’s a different way. The first time I spoke to the gaffer (Sam Allardyce), I was telling him that I like to play football. Sam said, “Don’t worry, you’ll come here and see how we are playing”. I’m very happy because he gives us the opportunity to play.
‘I know we are not like Barcelona but we can play. And I like to play — when I have the ball, I don’t want to just put the ball away. I prefer to keep it, take my time and give the right ball in the right moment.’
Song is quick to hail the likes of Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and Stewart Downing for their part in West Ham’s upturn.
‘West Ham do have very good players,’ he says. ‘The difference at Barcelona is that they are the best players in the world and, of course, that makes a big difference.
‘I try to bring my experience and the things I learned at Barcelona and at Arsenal to try and help the team. We are trying to play the best football we can play and make the fans very happy.’
And the West Ham supporters are very happy right now. The boo-boys have disappeared and some are even daring to dream of Champions League football. ‘Why not?’ Song smiles. ‘We can catch Europe this year.’
As Song straightens up his cap to conclude our chat, he warns that West Ham fans haven’t seen the best of him yet.
‘At the moment, I’m not fit like I want to be,’ he confesses.
‘I have a little bit of a problem with my knee. I can’t train like I want to. Hopefully soon that will be finished.
‘When I’m not starting to feel something, you will see more from me. I know I can do more.’