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Alex Iwobi is speaking about the multi-coloured braids in his hair and how even his hairdo has actually helped his football in what he sees as his best start to a Premier League season so far.
'Yeah, that actually plays a part (in expressing myself),' the Fulham midfielder says.
'My daddy'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 suffice off so I believed let's do something various that nobody else has. I literally told the hairdresser to 'express yourself' however not too wild. It's wild since it's red and purple at the minute however I like it. My dad's accepted it now so I'm simple.'
It's a stark contrast from the short-haired 19-year-old who made his Arsenal launching under Arsene Wenger in 2015.
Iwobi insists that he's always had the frame of mind of sensation like there's more to life than football however has actually only revealed himself more in the last few years, going to Paris Fashion Week, launching songs and releasing his charitable structure, Project 17.
'It's constantly been my pastime to do music, charity work and things in style. But it's just just recently that I've been expressing myself a lot more, to show people that I am not just a footballer. There is more to life, he states.
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 actually added to his on-pitch improvement
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 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 free in a regional grocery store.
'You understand what Liverpool are like - it's going to be an extreme video game however whether I get cramp or have no hamstrings, I will exist on Sunday,' Iwobi stresses.
'In your home I was raised in, my dad naturally just returned. To individuals in Nigeria, to his family and even individuals in the street - he would just purchase bottles of water and give them to neighbours. Seeing how my mum and dad are has actually influenced me to provide to others, whether they are fortunate or less fortunate. With the position I am in, I feel like it's only ideal with the influence I have that I offer back too.'
Through these efforts 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 simply 2 points behind fifth-placed Nottingham Forest.
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'As a child you want to do your finest to impress the supervisor and desire everybody to understand you are totally focused on football. But it (freedom) comes with age, being free and not being pushed about unfavorable remarks. If it's constructive, you don't mind the criticism,' he states.
'You have to be strong psychologically. Players succeed 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 actually plays a part.'
Among 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 chance to bring him back to London on Deadline Day in 2015. After his brace versus Brighton recently, Silva said 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 firmly insists that he's always had the frame of mind of sensation 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 'Don't Shoot' and in November launched a follow-up 'What's Luv?'
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'I have actually been associated with a lot of goals, contributing a lot, and defensively I have actually been working well. You might say it's my finest start to the season - I simply have to keep it going and make certain it's my best season. That's the goal' states Iwobi, who credits Silva for providing him 'the license to reveal' himself. 'It's good to have a supervisor who provides you the confidence to do that,' he states.
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 launched a follow-up 'What's Luv?' which is referred to as a celebration of his African roots with a blend of Afro-Swing mixed with Rap".
It's also 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 room however when you have team-mates like Calvin Bassey, he just can't help himself, Iwobi exposes.
'He is tapping the supervisor to listen to the tune. The 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 know 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 excellent feedback from the group - even individuals who do not speak English as their mother tongue like the Brazilians, they're vibing also,' includes Iwobi.
Silva's strategy at Everton was to construct around the midfielder but he was sacked four 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 disguise to enjoy his football again. Now that delight has actually been rediscovered after his ₤ 22M move last year.
'Everyone's mindset is one for all and all for one so that's absolutely assisting us this season. We've been having team meals and bonding and that's brought a lot of togetherness, states Iwobi.
Marco Silva first signed the Nigerian at Everton then brought him to Fulham later 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 eat. We arranged a journey to Paris to clear our heads (after the Wolves loss), came back then went once again with the Tottenham and Brighton results. We seem like we're all set to fly and we can do anything together.'
Another group meal is organised for midweek ahead of a run of three video games in 7 days over Christmas. 'The gaffer wishes to take us out. That's another little complimentary food so I'm not complaining,' jokes Iwobi. 'It's actually nice. It resembles one huge family.'
But initially, Fulham will head to Anfield with belief, having taken points from Arsenal last week and directly losing at Man City in October in a video game where Pep Guardiola had plenty of credit for Fulham.
'It reveals we have the ability to contend with anyone. We are not terrified. Hopefully it will be the same versus Liverpool. We are going there to get a result,' Iwobi firmly insists.
Get something at Anfield and Arne Slot's league-leaders might well be hearing 'What's Luv' blasting out from the away dressing room.
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Iwobi Open on how his Hairstyle, Fashion and Music have Helped Him
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