Alex Iwobi is talking about the multi-coloured braids in his hair and how even his hairstyle has assisted his football in what he views as his best start to a Premier League season so far.
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'Yeah, that really plays a part (in revealing myself),' the Fulham midfielder states.
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'My father's in your home and he's most likely heard me. He didn't like that I coloured my hair. I got tired and didn't wish to cut it off so I thought let's do something different that nobody else has. I literally told the hairdresser to 'reveal yourself' but not too wild. It's wild because it's red and purple at the minute but I like it. My papa's accepted it now so I'm easy.'
It's a stark contrast from the short-haired 19-year-old who made his Arsenal launching under Arsene Wenger in 2015.
Iwobi firmly insists that he's always had the state of mind of feeling like there's more to life than football however has just expressed himself more in recent years, going to Paris Fashion Week, launching songs and releasing his charitable structure, Project 17.
'It's always been my hobby to do music, charity work and things in fashion. But it's just just recently that I've been revealing myself a lot more, to reveal individuals that I am not just a footballer. There is more to life, he says.
Alexi Iwobi has actually made his finest start to a Premier League season with 5 objectives in 15 matches
The 28-year-old says his multi-coloured braids have actually added to his on-pitch enhancement
It's a plain contrast from the short-haired teen who made his debut under Arsene Wenger
This weekend, the 28-year-old will have his work cut out as Fulham take on league leaders Liverpool at on Saturday and on Sunday, he will be back in London feeding 100 families for Christmas as part of Project 17.
For one day, there will be an AleXpress in Canning Town, his hometown, where whatever will be free in a regional supermarket.
'You know what Liverpool are like - it's going to be an intense game however whether I get cramp or have no hamstrings, I will be there on Sunday,' Iwobi stresses.
'In your house I was raised in, my daddy naturally simply provided back. To individuals in Nigeria, to his household and even people in the street - he would just purchase 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 am in, I feel like it's only right with the influence I have that I return as well.'
Through these initiatives off the pitch, Iwobi thinks is the secret to his success on the pitch too. The Nigerian has currently scored more goals than in any other season, with five in the league for a Fulham side that is just 2 points behind fifth-placed Nottingham Forest.
'As a child you want to do your best to impress the manager and want everybody to understand you are totally focused on football. But it (flexibility) comes with age, being complimentary and not being pressed about negative comments. If it's constructive, you don't mind the criticism,' he says.
'You need to be strong mentally. Players do well when they're positive and with me, feeling positive to express myself on and off the pitch, I almost feel unstoppable. And when you have individuals that back you, it truly plays a part.'
Among those individuals that backs him is Marco Silva, who signed Iwobi for ₤ 35M at Everton from Arsenal in 2019, and didn't be reluctant when he had the chance to bring him back to London on Deadline Day in 2015. After his brace versus Brighton last week, Silva stated it was Iwobi's 'finest season in the Premier League so far' and he concurs.
The 28-year-old will feed 100 families on Sunday for Christmas as part of Project 17
Iwobi insists that he's constantly had the mindset of feeling like there's more to life than football
Earlier this year, Iwobi became the first Premier League footballer to launch a single with his launching song 'Don't Shoot' and in November released a follow-up 'What's Luv?'
'I have actually been included in a lot of goals, contributing a lot, and defensively I have been working well. You could state it's my finest start to the season - I just need to keep it going and make sure it's my best season. That's the aim' says Iwobi, who credits Silva for offering him 'the license to express' himself. 'It's nice to have a manager who provides you the confidence to do that,' he says.
Earlier this year, Iwobi ended up being the very 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 referred to as a celebration of his African roots with a mix of Afro-Swing blended with Rap".
It's also a tune that Silva's enjoying in the dressing room, with Fulham making their finest start to a top-flight season given that 2003-04.
'I do not get it on in the dressing space however when you have team-mates like Calvin Bassey, he just can't assist himself, Iwobi exposes.
'He is tapping the manager to listen to the song. The very first time he (Silva) heard 'What's Luv?' he was just vibing like, 'is this Alex?' and Calvin was like 'yes it's Alex!' He said it wasn't bad. I understand the very first time he didn't comprehend what was said but he enjoyed the beat. So it's a win-win.
'Everyone vibes with it and I'm having excellent feedback from the group - even the individuals who do not speak English as their mother tongue like the Brazilians, they're vibing also,' adds Iwobi.
Silva's strategy at Everton was to develop around the midfielder however he was sacked 4 months after signing Iwobi. Then Carlo Ancelotti played him out of position while Rafa Benitez barely played him at all.
Iwobi would travel throughout the M62 to Manchester and play seven-a-side with his mates in camouflage to enjoy his football again. Now that pleasure has actually been discovered after his ₤ 22M move last year.
'Everyone's frame of mind is one for all and all for one so that's absolutely helping us this season. We have actually been having team meals and bonding which's brought a lot 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 cut out as Fulham handle league leaders Liverpool at Anfield
'Even when Sander (Berge) and Joa (Andersen) signed, they took us out to consume. We arranged a journey to Paris to clear our heads (after the Wolves loss), returned then went once again with the Tottenham and Brighton results. We seem like we're prepared to fly and we can do anything together.'
Another group meal is organised for midweek ahead of a run of three games in seven days over Christmas. 'The gaffer wants to take us out. That's another little free food so I'm not grumbling,' jokes Iwobi. 'It's truly good. It's like one big family.'
But first, Fulham will head to Anfield with belief, having actually taken points from Arsenal recently and directly losing at Man City in October in a game where Pep Guardiola was complete of credit for Fulham.
'It shows we have the capability to take on anybody. We are not scared. Hopefully it will be the same versus Liverpool. We are going there to get a result,' Iwobi insists.
Get something at Anfield and Arne Slot's league-leaders may well be hearing 'What's Luv' blasting out from the away dressing room.
FulhamAlex Iwobi
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Iwobi Open on how his Hairstyle, Fashion and Music have Actually Helped Him
martinawhitfel edited this page 2024-12-31 19:06:58 +08:00