earned him a selection to The Indomitable Lions for the World Cup in 1994. Liverpool (1999–2000) Following his Italian experience with Serie A side Salernitana, Song transferred to Anfield with Liverpool in January 1999 for £2.7 million. Having been frozen out by the Italians, the Cameroonian defender made a good impression during a trial spell at Anfield. Before he arrived, Song already had the distinction of playing in two World Cups for his country. The first Cameroonian player to play for the Reds, Song made his League debut against Coventry City at Highfield Road. Early on he earned the support of Liverpool fans, who appreciated his strength, all-action style and effort. His natural position was centre-back but during his time at Anfield, Song operated at right-back and became a figure for Liverpool's fans, who used to affectionately sing "We've only got one Song!" He had a mixed 1999–2000 campaign, missing three months of the season due to international matches with the Indomitable Lions, captaining them to victory in the 2000 African Nations Cup and scoring the decisive penalty in the final game against Nigeria. Song was not able to find a spot in the starting eleven during the 2000–01 season and played just four games. One of the games was a 2000–01 UEFA Cup first round away game against FC Rapid București. Liverpool eventually won the tournament, making Song an UEFA Cup winner. His last appearance for Liverpool was a 1–1 draw with Sunderland at Anfield on 23 September 2000. He made a total of 38 appearances for the Reds. He left Anfield to sign for West Ham United on 28 November 2000 in a deal that also saw Liverpool capture young Finnish striker Daniel Sjölund. West Ham, 1. FC Köln and Lens (2000–2004) Song signed for West Ham United for £2.5 million. The club identified the 24-year-old defender as a possible replacement for Rio Ferdinand, who was transferred to Leeds United. He made his West Ham debut on 29 November 2000 in the League Cup. In a 4th-round game at The Boleyn Ground, West Ham lost 1–2 to Sheffield Wednesday. Song's debut was described by the BBC as "unhappy". In his first days, Song insisted that he did not want to be compared to Ferdinand, as he believed it was derogatory to his own talent. Over two seasons he made 27 appearances for West Ham in all competitions without