Iwobi Opens up on how his Hairstyle, Fashion and Music have Helped Him
Alex Iwobi is speaking about the multi-coloured braids in his hair and how even his hairdo has assisted his football in what he sees as his finest start to a Premier League season up until now.
‘Yeah, that in fact plays a part (in expressing myself),’ the Fulham midfielder says.
‘My father’s in the 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 actually informed the hairdresser to ‘reveal yourself’ however not too wild. It’s wild since it’s red and purple at the moment however I like it. My papa’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 insists that he’s constantly had the state of mind of feeling like there’s more to life than but has actually only expressed himself more over the last few years, going to Paris Fashion Week, releasing singles and launching his charitable structure, Project 17.
‘It’s always been my hobby to do music, charity work and things in fashion. But it’s only recently that I have actually been revealing myself a lot more, to show people that I am not simply a footballer. There is more to life, he states.
Alexi Iwobi has made his best start to a Premier League season with 5 objectives in 15 matches
The 28-year-old says his multi-coloured braids have 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 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 know what Liverpool resemble – it’s going to be an extreme video 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 daddy naturally simply returned. To people in Nigeria, to his household and even people in the street – he would just buy bottles of water and provide to neighbours. Seeing how my mum and dad are has actually inspired me to provide to others, whether they are lucky or less fortunate. With the position I remain in, I seem like it’s only best with the impact 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 currently scored more goals than in any other season, with 5 in the league for a Fulham side that is just 2 points behind fifth-placed Nottingham Forest.
‘As a youngster you desire to do your finest to impress the supervisor and desire everybody to know you are completely focused on football. But it (flexibility) features age, being free and not being pressed about negative 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 reveal myself on and off the pitch, I almost feel unstoppable. And when you have people that back you, it truly 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 hesitate when he had the opportunity to bring him back to London on Deadline Day in 2015. After his brace against Brighton recently, Silva stated it was Iwobi’s ‘best season in the Premier League so far’ and he agrees.
The 28-year-old will feed 100 families on Sunday for Christmas as part of Project 17
Iwobi firmly insists that he’s constantly had the mindset of sensation like there’s more to life than football
Earlier this year, Iwobi ended up being the first Premier League footballer to release a single with his launching song ‘Don’t Shoot’ and in November launched a follow-up ‘What’s Luv?’
‘I have been involved in a great deal of objectives, contributing a lot, and defensively I have been working well. You could say it’s my finest start to the season – I just have to keep it going and make certain it’s my best season. That’s the goal’ says Iwobi, who credits Silva for providing him ‘the license to reveal’ himself. ‘It’s great to have a manager who offers you the confidence to do that,’ he states.
Earlier this year, Iwobi became the very first Premier League footballer to launch a single with his debut tune ‘Don’t Shoot’ and in November launched a follow-up ‘What’s Luv?’ which is described 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 since 2003-04.
‘I don’t 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 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 stated it wasn’t bad. I know the very first time he didn’t comprehend what was stated however he enjoyed the beat. So it’s a win-win.
‘Everyone vibes with it and I’m having good feedback from the team – even individuals who do not speak English as their mother tongue like the Brazilians, they’re vibing too,’ adds Iwobi.
Silva’s plan 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 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 actually been discovered after his ₤ 22M relocation in 2015.
‘Everyone’s mindset is one for all and all for one so that’s definitely helping us this season. We’ve been having group meals and bonding and that’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 eliminated as Fulham handle 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), came back then went again with the Tottenham and Brighton results. We feel like we’re ready to fly and we can do anything together.’
Another team meal is organised for midweek ahead of a run of three games in 7 days over Christmas. ‘The gaffer wants to take us out. That’s another bit of complimentary food so I’m not complaining,’ jokes Iwobi. ‘It’s really nice. 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 video game where Pep Guardiola was complete of credit for Fulham.
‘It shows we have the capability to take on anyone. We are not terrified. 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 might well be hearing ‘What’s Luv’ blasting out from the away dressing room.
FulhamAlex Iwobi
