Alex arrived at Arsenal in 2005 as a raw teenager but left seven years later as a polished performer.
He was initially signed on loan at the age of 17 from French club SC Bastia. After a successful debut campaign at Emirates Stadium in which he played nine times, he joined the Club on a permanent basis.
A loan spell with Charlton Athletic followed and although the Addicks were relegated to the second tier, Alex won a host of plaudits for his performances.
The Cameroon international really made his mark at Arsenal during the 2008/09 campaign. Still only 21, he held down a regular place and struck up a good understanding with Cesc Fabregas at the heart of midfield.
Slowly but surely, Alex added to the attacking part of his game and scored Arsenal's 1,000th Premier League goal under Arsene Wenger in a 4-1 win over Bolton in September 2010. His five goals that season were his best haul at the Club.
Still primarily seen as a defensive midfielder, the 2011/12 campaign was one in which Alex threw off the shackles and truly demonstrated his attacking prowess.
The Cameroonian finished with 14 assists in all competitions and was second in the Club’s Player of the Season poll.
After a superb year at the heart of midfield, he joined Barcelona in August 2012.
Alexandre Song
