The midfielder has made it no secret in years gone by that money was a big motivator behind his football career, especially when he joined Barcelona. Recalling the transfer negotiations to join the La Liga outfit, Song admitted on an Instagram live stream: “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. 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*** – I knew that now I would become a millionaire."