Alex Iwobi is discussing the multi-coloured braids in his hair and how even his hairdo has assisted his football in what he views as his best start to a Premier League season up until now.
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'Yeah, that in fact plays a part (in expressing myself),' the Fulham midfielder states.
'My father's in your home and he's most likely heard me. He didn't like that I coloured my hair. I got bored and didn't want to cut it off so I believed let's do something various that nobody else has. I literally informed the hairdresser to 'express yourself' but not too wild. It's wild due to the fact that it's red and purple at the moment however I like it. My daddy's accepted it now so I'm easy.'
It's a plain contrast from the short-haired 19-year-old who made his Arsenal launching under Arsene Wenger in 2015.
Iwobi insists that he's constantly had the mindset of feeling like there's more to life than football however has just expressed himself more in the last few years, going to Paris Fashion Week, launching singles and introducing his charitable foundation, Project 17.
'It's always been my hobby to do music, charity work and things in style. But it's only just recently that I have actually been expressing myself a lot more, to show people that I am not just a footballer. There is more to life, he says.
Alexi Iwobi has actually made his best start to a Premier League season with 5 goals in 15 matches
The 28-year-old states his multi-coloured braids have contributed to his on-pitch improvement
It's a stark contrast from the short-haired teenager who made his launching 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 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 complimentary in a regional grocery store.
'You understand what Liverpool are like - it's going to be an intense game however whether I get constrain or have no hamstrings, I will exist on Sunday,' Iwobi tensions.
'In your house I was raised in, my dad naturally just gave back. To individuals in Nigeria, to his household and even individuals in the street - he would just purchase bottles of water and give them to neighbours. Seeing how my mum and papa are has actually inspired me to provide to others, whether they are fortunate or less fortunate. With the position I remain in, I feel like it's just ideal with the impact I have that I return also.'
Through these efforts off the pitch, Iwobi believes is the trick to his success on the pitch too. The Nigerian has already scored more goals than in any other season, with 5 in the league for a Fulham side that is just two points behind fifth-placed Nottingham Forest.
'As a youngster you desire to do your finest to impress the manager and desire everybody to understand you are completely focused on football. But it (flexibility) comes with age, being and not being pushed about unfavorable comments. If it's constructive, you don't mind the criticism,' he states.
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'You have to be strong psychologically. Players do well when they're positive and with me, feeling great to express myself on and off the pitch, I practically feel unstoppable. And when you have individuals that back you, it really 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 think twice when he had the chance to bring him back to London on Deadline Day in 2015. After his brace versus Brighton last week, Silva said it was Iwobi's 'finest season in the Premier League up until now' and he agrees.
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 state of mind of feeling like there's more to life than football
Earlier this year, Iwobi became the very first Premier League footballer to launch a single with his launching tune 'Don't Shoot' and in November released a follow-up 'What's Luv?'
'I have actually been involved 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 simply need to keep it going and make sure it's my finest season. That's the objective' says Iwobi, who credits Silva for offering him 'the license to reveal' himself. 'It's nice to have a supervisor who gives you the confidence to do that,' he states.
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Earlier this year, Iwobi became the first Premier League footballer to release a single with his launching song '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 combined with Rap".
It's likewise a tune that Silva's enjoying in the dressing space, with Fulham making their finest start to a top-flight season considering 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 reveals.
'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 know the very first time he didn't understand what was said however he took pleasure in the beat. So it's a win-win.
'Everyone vibes with it and I'm having great feedback from the team - even the people who do not speak English as their mother tongue like the Brazilians, they're vibing too,' 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 take a trip throughout 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 found after his ₤ 22M move in 2015.
'Everyone's frame of mind is one for all and all for one so that's absolutely helping us this season. We've been having team meals and bonding which's brought a great deal of togetherness, states 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 take on league leaders Liverpool at Anfield
'Even when Sander (Berge) and Joa (Andersen) signed, they took us out to eat. We organised a trip to Paris to clear our heads (after the Wolves loss), came back then went once again with the Tottenham and Brighton results. We feel like we're ready to fly and we can do anything together.'
Another group meal is arranged 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 actually great. It resembles one huge household.'
But first, Fulham will head to Anfield with belief, having taken points from Arsenal last week and narrowly 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 anyone. We are not frightened. Hopefully it will be the exact 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.
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Iwobi Opens up on how his Hairstyle, Fashion and Music have Helped Him
cathernblakene edited this page 2024-12-22 17:09:39 +00:00