Iwobi Opens up on how his Hairstyle, Fashion and Music have Actually Helped Him
Alex Iwobi is discussing the multi-coloured braids in his hair and how even his hairdo has helped his football in what he views as his best start to a Premier League season so far.
‘Yeah, that really plays a part (in expressing myself),’ the Fulham midfielder says.
‘My dad’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 wish to suffice off so I believed let’s do something various that no one else has. I literally informed the hair stylist to ‘express yourself’ however not too wild. It’s wild due to the fact that it’s red and purple at the moment however 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 constantly had the state of mind of feeling like there’s more to life than football however has just revealed himself more in recent years, going to Paris Fashion Week, releasing songs and releasing his charitable structure, 17.
‘It’s always been my hobby to do music, charity work and things in style. 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 says.
Alexi Iwobi has made his finest start to a Premier League season with five objectives in 15 matches
The 28-year-old states his multi-coloured braids have actually contributed to his on-pitch improvement
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 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 local grocery store.
‘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 exist on Sunday,’ Iwobi tensions.
‘In your home I was raised in, my dad naturally simply offered back. To individuals in Nigeria, to his household and even individuals in the street – he would simply buy bottles of water and give them to neighbours. Seeing how my mum and father are has actually inspired me to provide to others, whether they are lucky or less lucky. With the position I remain in, I feel like it’s just best with the influence I have that I offer back as well.’
Through these efforts off the pitch, Iwobi thinks is the trick to his success on the pitch too. The Nigerian has actually already scored more goals than in any other season, with five in the league for a Fulham side that is simply two points behind fifth-placed Nottingham Forest.
‘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 (liberty) includes age, being complimentary and not being pushed about unfavorable remarks. If it’s positive, you do not mind the criticism,’ he states.
‘You have to be strong mentally. Players succeed when they’re confident and with me, feeling confident to express myself on and off the pitch, I practically feel unstoppable. And when you have individuals that back you, it actually plays a part.’
One of 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 opportunity to bring him back to London on Deadline Day in 2015. After his brace versus Brighton recently, Silva said it was Iwobi’s ‘finest season in the Premier League so far’ and he agrees.
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 ended up being the first Premier League footballer to launch a single with his debut song ‘Don’t Shoot’ and in November released a follow-up ‘What’s Luv?’
‘I have been included in a great deal of goals, contributing a lot, and defensively I have been working well. You could state 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 objective’ says Iwobi, who credits Silva for giving him ‘the license to reveal’ himself. ‘It’s great to have a manager who gives you the confidence to do that,’ he says.
Earlier this year, Iwobi became the first Premier League footballer to release a single with his debut song ‘Don’t Shoot’ and in November released a follow-up ‘What’s Luv?’ which is explained as an event 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 space, with Fulham making their finest start to a top-flight season because 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 very first time he (Silva) heard ‘What’s Luv?’ he was simply vibing like, ‘is this Alex?’ and Calvin resembled ‘yes it’s Alex!’ He said it wasn’t bad. I understand the first time he didn’t comprehend 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 group – even individuals who do not speak English as their mother tongue like the Brazilians, they’re vibing too,’ includes Iwobi.
Silva’s strategy at Everton was to build around the midfielder but 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 across the M62 to Manchester and play seven-a-side with his mates in disguise to enjoy his football once again. Now that joy has been uncovered after his ₤ 22M relocation in 2015.
‘Everyone’s state of mind is one for all and all for one so that’s definitely assisting us this season. We’ve been having group meals and bonding which’s brought a lot 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 take on league leaders Liverpool at Anfield
‘Even when Sander (Berge) and Joa (Andersen) signed, they took us out to consume. We organised a journey to Paris to clear our heads (after the Wolves loss), returned then went again with the Tottenham and Brighton results. We feel like we’re all set to fly and we can do anything together.’
Another team meal is organised for midweek ahead of a run of 3 games in seven 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 actually good. It’s like one huge household.’
But initially, Fulham will head to Anfield with belief, having actually taken points from Arsenal last week and directly losing at Man City in October in a game where Pep Guardiola was full of credit for Fulham.
‘It shows we have the ability to contend with anybody. We are not terrified. Hopefully it will be the same versus Liverpool. We are going there to get an outcome,’ 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 space.
FulhamAlex Iwobi
