Rigobert Song Bahanag is not only the head coach of the Cameroon national football team but also the country’s most capped player and a legend of African football and the World Cup.
The 46-year old was a strong, all action centre half and right back during his playing career which saw him represent clubs across Europe. Song turned out for clubs in France, Italy, Germany and Turkey and also spent time in the Premier League with Liverpool and West Ham United.
Although his time at both clubs did not come during the more successful periods in their respective histories, Song still managed to endear himself to supporters in England and particularly on Merseyside. Here are some of the Cameroonian legend’s best moments with the Reds and the Hammers:
5. UEFA Cup winner
Song fell out of favour in the 2000/01 season and made just four appearances for the Reds but one of those came in the UEFA Cup first round making him a trophy winner with the Reds going on to lift the trophy after his departure | Getty Images
6. Song signs for Hammers
In November 2000 Song left Liverpool to join West Ham in a deal that saw striker Daniel Sjölund head in the opposite direction and the Cameroonian was able to once again find regular first team football. | Getty Images
7. In the shadow of Rio
Song was brought to The Boleyn Ground as a replacement for Rio Ferdinand, who had joined Leeds United, but was not happy about comparisons between himself and the future Manchester United skipper. | Getty Images
8. Hard times with Hammers
In total, Song would make 27 first team appearances for West Ham during his two seasons as a Hammer before being loaned to German side FC Koln and then eventually sold to French club RC Lens. | Getty Images