Former Gunners star Alex Song swapped Arsenal for Barcelona in 2012.
Having joined Arsenal in 2005, Song became a mainstay in the north London outfit before his sudden departure in 2012. He racked up 205 appearances for the Gunners and was an integral member of their midfield.
However, Barcelona's offer changed his mind and he left Arsenal for the Nou Camp in 2012. Song later revealed that even before joining Barcelona, he was told about his limited role in Catalonia. He eventually went on to play only 65 games for the club, several of them as a substitute off the bench.
However, the Cameroonian midfielder openly revealed that he accepted Barcelona's offer for the money. He had said that he did not mind sitting on the bench as long as he made good money.
His old comments on the matter resurfaced recently, when he was speaking on an Instagram chat with Toronto Raptors basketball star Pascal Siakam, via The Sun.
Song said:
"Most footballers live beyond their means. I was at Arsenal for eight years but only began to earn a good living in the last four. That was because my salary went up a lot - but also because I came to realise what a waster I was."
He added:
"When I first joined them I was getting £15,000 a week. I was a young lad, and I was ecstatic. I wanted to rub shoulders with the big boys. I could shop wherever I wanted and have crazy nights out."
Remembering an old incident involving Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, Song said:
"I would go to training and see Thierry Henry - the King - turn up in an absolute gem of a car. I told myself I wanted the same car at all costs. I went to the dealership, signed the papers and arranged to pay for it by standing order - and just like that I had the same car as the King."
He added:
"But I swear that I had to hand the car back inside two months. All my money was going on filling it with petrol. I told them: 'Give me a Toyota - this car's too much for me.' When I next went to training Thierry asked me: 'Where's your car, son?' I told him it's on a higher level than me."
Sonh revealed once again why he left Arsenal and joined Barcelona
Money in football can be a big factor for several players. Many players do not come from financially stable backgrounds and they prioritize the importance of money over the game.
Former Arsenal midfielder Song is one such example. Revealing his Barcelona decision, Song said:
"During my entire time at Arsenal I couldn't even save £100,000, while people thought I must be a millionaire. When Barcelona offered me a contract, and I saw how much I would earn, I didn't think twice. I felt my wife and children should have comfortable lives once my career is over."
He added:
"I met Barca's sporting director, and he told me I would not get to play many games, but I didn't give a f*ck – I knew that now I would become a millionaire."
Song eventually stayed on Barcelona's books until 2016 before departing for West Ham United. He now plies his trade for Djiboutian club Arta/Solar 7.