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Alex Iwobi is discussing the multi-coloured braids in his hair and how even his hairstyle has assisted his football in what he sees as his finest start to a Premier League season so far.
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'Yeah, that actually plays a part (in revealing myself),' the Fulham midfielder says.
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'My dad's in your house and he's probably heard me. He didn't like that I coloured my hair. I got bored and didn't wish to suffice off so I believed 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 since it's red and purple at the minute but I like it. My daddy's accepted it now so I'm simple.'
It's a plain 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 mindset of feeling like there's more to life than football but has actually only revealed himself more over the last few years, going to Paris Fashion Week, launching singles and releasing his charitable foundation, Project 17.
'It's always been my pastime to do music, charity work and things in fashion. But it's only just recently that I have actually been expressing myself a lot more, to show people that I am not simply a footballer. There is more to life, he states.
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 contributed 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 cut out as Fulham take on 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 hometown, where whatever will be complimentary in a regional grocery store.
'You understand what Liverpool resemble - it's going to be an intense game however whether I get constrain or have no hamstrings, I will be there on Sunday,' Iwobi tensions.
'In your house I was raised in, my papa naturally just offered back. To individuals in Nigeria, to his family and even people in the street - he would simply purchase bottles of water and provide to neighbours. Seeing how my mum and dad are has motivated me to offer to others, whether they are lucky or less lucky. With the position I remain in, I feel like it's only ideal with the influence I have that I offer back also.'
Through these initiatives off the pitch, Iwobi thinks is the trick to his success on the pitch too. The Nigerian has actually currently scored more objectives than in any other season, with 5 in the league for a Fulham side that is simply two points behind fifth-placed Nottingham Forest.
'As a youngster you wish to do your finest to impress the supervisor and desire everyone to know you are totally focused on football. But it (flexibility) features age, being complimentary and not being pressed about unfavorable remarks. If it's constructive, you do not mind the criticism,' he says.
'You need to be strong mentally. Players succeed when they're positive and with me, feeling confident to express myself on and off the pitch, I practically feel unstoppable. And when you have people that back you, it actually 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 hesitate when he had the opportunity to bring him back to London on Deadline Day last year. After his brace versus Brighton recently, Silva said it was 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 always 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 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 might say it's my best start to the season - I just have to keep it going and ensure it's my best season. That's the aim' says Iwobi, who credits Silva for giving him 'the license to reveal' himself. 'It's nice to have a supervisor who gives you the confidence to do that,' he states.
Earlier this year, Iwobi became the first Premier League footballer to launch 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 blended with Rap".
It's likewise 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 don't get it on in the dressing room however when you have team-mates like Calvin Bassey, he simply can't help himself, Iwobi reveals.
'He is tapping the supervisor to listen to the song. The very first time he (Silva) heard 'What's Luv?' he was simply 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 but he enjoyed the beat. So it's a win-win.
'Everyone vibes with it and I'm having great feedback from the team - even individuals who don't speak English as their mother tongue like the Brazilians, they're vibing also,' adds Iwobi.
Silva's strategy at Everton was to construct around the midfielder however he was sacked 4 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 once again. Now that pleasure has actually been uncovered after his ₤ 22M move in 2015.
'Everyone's frame of mind is one for all and all for one so that's certainly helping us this season. We have actually been having group meals and bonding and that's brought a great deal of togetherness, says Iwobi.
Marco Silva first signed the Nigerian at Everton then brought him to Fulham later 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 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 ready to fly and we can do anything together.'
Another group meal is arranged for midweek ahead of a run of 3 games in 7 days over Christmas. 'The gaffer wishes to take us out. That's another little totally free food so I'm not complaining,' jokes Iwobi. 'It's really great. It resembles one huge household.'
But first, 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 complete with anybody. We are not frightened. Hopefully it will be the exact same against Liverpool. We are going there to get an outcome,' 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 space.
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Iwobi Open on how his Hairstyle, Fashion and Music have Actually Helped Him
catherinevigna edited this page 2024-12-22 16:51:58 +00:00