Alex Song joined Arsenal in 2006 from French side Bastia before signing for Barcelona in 2012 after eight-year spell at Emirates Stadium.
The midfielder did not win any trophy with the Gunners before making a £15million move to the Nou Camp.
Speaking in an Instagram chat with Toronto Raptors basketball star Pascal Siakam, he said: ‘When Barcelona offered me a contract, and I saw how much I would earn, I didn’t think twice. I felt my wife and children should have comfortable lives once my career is over.
‘I met Barca’s sporting director, and he told me I would not get to play many games, but I didn’t give a f*** – I knew that now I would become a millionaire.
‘I wanted to rub shoulders with the big boys. I could shop wherever I wanted and have crazy nights out.
‘I would go to training and see Thierry Henry – the King – turn up in an absolute gem of a car. I told myself I wanted the same car at all costs.
‘I went to the dealership, signed the papers and arranged to pay for it by standing order – and just like that I had the same car as The King.
‘But I swear that I had to hand the car back inside two months. All my money was going on filling it with petrol.
‘I told them: “Give me a Toyota – this car’s too much for me.”‘
Song was loaned out to West Ham in August 2014, making 34 appearances for the club.
He later re-joined the Hammers in 2015/16 season on loan and made 25 appearances before returning to Barcelona.
His contract was later terminated on mutual agreement despite having one year left, to allow him join outfit Rubin Kazan on a free transfer.
