Premier League: West Ham's Alex Song admits former club Arsenal are still in his heart ahead of Sunday meeting

Alex Song faces his old club Arsenal on Sunday at Upton Park

West Ham midfielder Alex Song is relishing the visit of Arsenal to Upton Park on Sunday, but admits his former club will always be in his heart after six years with the Gunners.

Song, on loan from Barcelona until the end of the season, admits it will not be easy to play against his old team, but knows he must do his job as West Ham look to escape the winter period without noticeable damage to their fine start to the campaign.

The Cameroon international was a regular in Arsene Wenger's side from 2008 until he left the club for Barca in 2012, and says his time there was unforgettable.

He told Sky Sports: "Always, this big family will be in my heart. I'll never forget because what I am now is because of Arsenal, but now it’s important to play against them.

West Ham players don their Santa hats and beards

"We’ll enjoy the game, it’s not easy when you play your old team. I just have to do my job.

"Right now, I'm a West Ham player and will focus on that game. We know it's not easy, but I will try to help my team win the game."

But first, Sam Allardyce's Hammers face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day, who Song predicts will win the Premier League come May.

Song (centre) jokes with West Ham team-mates Andy Carroll (left) and Cheikhou Kouyate

The 27-year-old also admits the Christmas period is testing, but that the football is more important than the festive celebrations.

"At Christmas, you don't have time to rest, don't have time to enjoy the party, but the party is not important," said Song. "The thing is you have to enjoy the game.

"Chelsea attack together and defend togethe. At the moment, I would say Chelsea will win the league.

"When you see the way they play, they are a strong team."