Alex Song has lent his support to former Arsenal teammate Emmanuel Adebayor as he prepares to go head to head with the striker this weekend when the Gunners play Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby.

The 27-year-old has had a tumultuous relationship with Arsenal supporters since he left the club, including an incident when he ran the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of them after scoring for Manchester City.

Despite the sour departure, Song admits that he is "happy" for the forward.

"I know in the big games he will want to show he is not 'dead'," Song told Arsenal's official website.

"Everyone put him down when he went to Manchester City but I am very happy for him. We know Adebayor is a very good player and I am very happy for him now. He is my friend and has started playing well for Tottenham.

"But I just want us to go there, try to play and win. He may be my friend but on the pitch it is different - I just have to do my job."

Arsenal travel to White Hart Lane for the London derby on Sunday.