Iwobi Open on how his Hairstyle, Fashion and Music have Helped Him

Alex Iwobi is discussing the multi-coloured braids in his hair and how even his hairdo has actually assisted his football in what he views as his best start to a Premier League season up until now.

‘Yeah, that in fact plays a part (in revealing myself),’ the Fulham midfielder states.

‘My father’s in the home 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 thought let’s do something various that nobody else has. I actually told the hair stylist to ‘express yourself’ but not too wild. It’s wild because it’s red and purple at the minute however I like it. My papa’s accepted it now so I’m easy.’

It’s a plain contrast from the short-haired 19-year-old who made his Arsenal debut under Arsene Wenger in 2015.

Iwobi firmly insists that he’s always had the state of mind of feeling like there’s more to life than football however has just revealed himself more recently, going to Paris Fashion Week, launching songs and launching his charitable foundation, 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 reveal 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 five goals in 15 matches

The 28-year-old states his multi-coloured braids have actually contributed to his on-pitch enhancement

It’s a plain 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 handle 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 home town, where whatever will be complimentary in a local supermarket.

‘You understand what Liverpool resemble – 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 papa naturally just gave back. To people in Nigeria, to his household and even individuals in the street – he would just buy bottles of water and give them to neighbours. Seeing how my mum and dad are has actually inspired me to provide to others, whether they are fortunate or less lucky. With the position I am in, I seem like it’s only ideal with the influence I have that I return as well.’

Through these efforts off the pitch, Iwobi thinks 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 simply two points behind fifth-placed Nottingham Forest.

‘As a youngster you wish to do your best to impress the manager and desire everybody to understand you are fully concentrated on football. But it (liberty) comes with age, being totally free and not being pushed about negative remarks. If it’s constructive, you don’t mind the criticism,’ he states.

‘You have to be strong psychologically. Players do well when they’re confident and with me, feeling great to reveal myself on and off the pitch, I practically feel unstoppable. And when you have individuals that back you, it truly 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 hesitate when he had the chance to bring him back to London on Deadline Day in 2015. After his brace against Brighton last week, Silva stated it was Iwobi’s ‘best season in the Premier League up until now’ and he agrees.

The 28-year-old will feed 100 households on Sunday for Christmas as part of Project 17

Iwobi firmly insists that he’s constantly had the state of mind 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 debut song ‘Don’t Shoot’ and in November launched a follow-up ‘What’s Luv?’

‘I have actually been associated with a lot of goals, contributing a lot, and defensively I have actually been working well. You could state it’s my best start to the I simply need to keep it going and ensure it’s my best season. That’s the aim’ says Iwobi, who credits Silva for offering him ‘the license to express’ himself. ‘It’s great to have a manager who gives you the self-confidence to do that,’ he says.

Earlier this year, Iwobi ended up being the 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 an event of his African roots with a blend of Afro-Swing mixed with Rap ».

It’s likewise a tune that Silva’s enjoying in the dressing space, with Fulham making their best 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 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 just vibing like, ‘is this Alex?’ and Calvin was like ‘yes it’s Alex!’ He said it wasn’t bad. I understand the very first time he didn’t understand what was said but he delighted in the beat. So it’s a win-win.

‘Everyone vibes with it and I’m having excellent feedback from the team – even individuals who don’t speak English as their mother tongue like the Brazilians, they’re vibing as well,’ includes Iwobi.

Silva’s strategy at Everton was to build around the midfielder but he was sacked four months after signing Iwobi. Then Carlo Ancelotti played him out of position while Rafa Benitez hardly played him at all.

Iwobi would travel throughout the M62 to Manchester and play seven-a-side with his mates in camouflage to enjoy his football again. Now that joy has actually been found after his ₤ 22M relocation last year.

‘Everyone’s mindset is one for all and all for one so that’s certainly assisting us this season. We have actually been having team meals and bonding and that’s brought a lot of togetherness, says 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 consume. We organised a trip to Paris to clear our heads (after the Wolves loss), came back then went 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 seven days over Christmas. ‘The gaffer wishes to take us out. That’s another little totally free food so I’m not grumbling,’ jokes Iwobi. ‘It’s actually great. It’s like 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 video game where Pep Guardiola had lots of credit for Fulham.

‘It shows we have the capability to complete with anyone. We are not terrified. 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 space.

FulhamAlex Iwobi