Alex Iwobi is talking about the multi-coloured braids in his hair and how even his hairdo has actually helped his football in what he views as his best start to a Premier League season up until now.
'Yeah, that in fact plays a part (in revealing myself),' the Fulham midfielder says.
'My papa's in the home and he's probably heard me. He didn't like that I coloured my hair. I got tired and didn't wish to suffice off so I thought let's do something various that no one else has. I literally told the hair stylist to 'reveal yourself' but not too wild. It's wild because it's red and purple at the moment however I like it. My father's accepted it now so I'm easy.'
It's a stark contrast from the short-haired 19-year-old who made his Arsenal debut under Arsene Wenger in 2015.
that he's always had the frame of mind of sensation like there's more to life than football but has actually just expressed himself more over the last few years, going to Paris Fashion Week, launching singles and releasing his charitable structure, Project 17.
'It's constantly been my pastime to do music, charity work and things in fashion. But it's just recently that I've been revealing myself a lot more, to show individuals that I am not simply a footballer. There is more to life, he states.
Alexi Iwobi has made his best start to a Premier League season with 5 objectives in 15 matches
The 28-year-old states his multi-coloured braids have added to his on-pitch enhancement
It's a stark contrast from the short-haired teenager who made his debut under Arsene Wenger
This weekend, the 28-year-old will have his work eliminated as Fulham handle league leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday and on Sunday, he will be back in London feeding 100 households for Christmas as part of Project 17.
For one day, there will be an AleXpress in Canning Town, his home town, where whatever will be totally free in a regional supermarket.
'You know what Liverpool are like - it's going to be an extreme video game but whether I get cramp or have no hamstrings, I will be there on Sunday,' Iwobi tensions.
'In the home I was raised in, my papa naturally simply provided back. To individuals in Nigeria, to his family and even individuals in the street - he would simply buy bottles of water and provide to neighbours. Seeing how my mum and dad are has motivated me to provide to others, whether they are fortunate or less lucky. With the position I remain in, I feel like it's only right with the impact I have that I return too.'
Through these initiatives off the pitch, Iwobi believes is the secret to his success on the pitch too. The Nigerian has actually currently scored more goals than in any other season, with 5 in the league for a Fulham side that is just 2 points behind fifth-placed Nottingham Forest.
'As a youngster you desire to do your best to impress the manager and want everybody to know you are totally concentrated on football. But it (freedom) includes age, being totally free and not being pushed about negative comments. If it's positive, you do not mind the criticism,' he says.
'You have to be strong mentally. Players do well when they're positive and with me, feeling great to reveal myself on and off the pitch, I almost feel unstoppable. And when you have people that back you, it truly plays a part.'
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One of those people that backs him is Marco Silva, who signed Iwobi for ₤ 35M at Everton from Arsenal in 2019, and didn't think twice when he had the opportunity to bring him back to London on Deadline Day in 2015. After his brace against Brighton last week, Silva stated it was Iwobi's 'best season in the Premier League up until now' and he concurs.
The 28-year-old will feed 100 households on Sunday for Christmas as part of Project 17
Iwobi insists that he's always had the mindset of feeling like there's more to life than football
Earlier this year, Iwobi became the very first Premier League footballer to release a single with his launching song 'Don't Shoot' and in November launched a follow-up 'What's Luv?'
'I have been associated with a great deal of objectives, contributing a lot, and defensively I have actually been working well. You could state it's my finest start to the season - I just need to keep it going and ensure it's my best season. That's the aim' says Iwobi, who credits Silva for providing him 'the license to reveal' himself. 'It's good to have a manager who offers you the self-confidence to do that,' he says.
Earlier this year, Iwobi became the first Premier League footballer to release a single with his launching tune 'Don't Shoot' and in November released a follow-up 'What's Luv?' which is explained as a celebration of his African roots with a blend of Afro-Swing blended with Rap".
It's also a tune that Silva's enjoying in the dressing room, with Fulham making their best start to a top-flight season because 2003-04.
'I don't get it on in the dressing room however when you have team-mates like Calvin Bassey, he just can't assist himself, Iwobi reveals.
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'He is tapping the manager to listen to the song. The first time he (Silva) heard 'What's Luv?' he was just vibing like, 'is this Alex?' and Calvin resembled 'yes it's Alex!' He said it wasn't bad. I understand the very first time he didn't comprehend what was stated however he delighted in the beat. So it's a win-win.
'Everyone vibes with it and I'm having great feedback from the group - even individuals who don't speak English as their mother tongue like the Brazilians, they're vibing as well,' adds Iwobi.
Silva's plan at Everton was to build around the midfielder but he was sacked four months after signing Iwobi. Then Carlo Ancelotti played him out of position while Rafa Benitez hardly played him at all.
Iwobi would travel across the M62 to Manchester and play seven-a-side with his mates in camouflage to enjoy his football again. Now that happiness has actually been rediscovered after his ₤ 22M move in 2015.
'Everyone's mindset is one for all and all for one so that's definitely helping us this season. We have actually been having team meals and bonding and that's brought a great deal of togetherness, says Iwobi.
Marco Silva initially signed the Nigerian at Everton then brought him to Fulham later on in 2023
Iwobi will have his work eliminated as Fulham handle league leaders Liverpool at Anfield
'Even when Sander (Berge) and Joa (Andersen) signed, they took us out to consume. We organised a trip to Paris to clear our heads (after the Wolves loss), came back then went again with the Tottenham and Brighton results. We feel like we're prepared to fly and we can do anything together.'
Another team meal is arranged for midweek ahead of a run of three video games in seven days over Christmas. 'The gaffer desires to take us out. That's another bit of complimentary food so I'm not complaining,' jokes Iwobi. 'It's truly good. It's like one big household.'
But first, Fulham will head to Anfield with belief, having actually taken points from Arsenal recently and narrowly losing at Man City in October in a game where Pep Guardiola had lots of credit for Fulham.
'It reveals we have the ability to take on anyone. We are not terrified. Hopefully it will be the exact same versus Liverpool. We are going there to get an outcome,' Iwobi insists.
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Get something at Anfield and Arne Slot's league-leaders may well be hearing 'What's Luv' blasting out from the away dressing space.
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Iwobi Opens up on how his Hairstyle, Fashion and Music have Helped Him
kathleenschlem edited this page 2024-12-22 16:45:39 +00:00