BEVERLY HILLS, October 03, (THEWILL) – Former Cameroon captain and defender Rigobert Song is reportedly fighting for his life after being rushed to hospital in Yaounde after suffering from cerebral aneurysm.
40-year-old Song, who also played for Liverpool and West Ham United is the uncle of former Arsenal, West Ham United and Charlton Athletic midfielder Alex Song.
Song who won 137 caps for Cameroon, where he achieved legendary status as the nation’s captain, is currently the head coach of Chad’s senior national team and is said to be in a critical condition.
He played in four World Cups for his country over a 16 year period, first called for USA ’94 before representing Cameroon in France ’98, Japan/South Korea 2002 and in South Africa 2010.
The football world was quick to unite in support of the popular ex-player as fellow Cameroonian Samuel Eto’o posted a picture of Song with the caption: “I wish you a lot of courage and a speedy recovery big brother!”
Jamie Carragher, Stan Collymore and Robbie Fowler also posted messages of sympathy in the wake of the news, while Liverpool tweeted a message of support from the club’s official account. Song was at Liverpool between 1999 and 2000.
Song was one of Gérard Houllier’s first signings as Liverpool manager in 1999, having started his professional career at French side Metz. He became somewhat of a cult figure after his £2.7 million move making 35 appearances for the Merseyside club before joining West Ham United in 2000.
During the course of his career he also played for Galatasaray, Cologne, Lens and Trabzonspor.
Story by David Oputah
