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 hairstyle has helped his football in what he sees as his finest start to a Premier League season up until now.

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'Yeah, that actually plays a part (in revealing myself),' the Fulham midfielder says.

'My father's in the home and he's probably heard me. He didn't like that I coloured my hair. I got tired and didn't want to suffice off so I believed let's do something different that no one else has. I actually 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 but I like it. My father'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 insists that he's constantly had the mindset of feeling 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, releasing songs and launching his charitable structure, Project 17.

'It's always been my pastime to do music, charity work and things in style. But it's just recently that I have actually been revealing myself a lot more, to reveal people that I am not just 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 added to his on-pitch improvement

It's a plain contrast from the short-haired teenager who made his launching 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 totally free in a local supermarket.

'You understand what Liverpool are like - it's going to be an extreme game however whether I get constrain or have no hamstrings, I will be there on Sunday,' Iwobi stresses.

'In your home I was raised in, my father naturally simply gave back. To people in Nigeria, to his family and even individuals in the street - he would just purchase bottles of water and provide to neighbours. Seeing how my mum and dad are has inspired me to give to others, whether they are lucky or less fortunate. With the position I remain in, I seem like it's only ideal with the impact 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 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 child you desire to do your finest to impress the supervisor and desire everyone to know you are totally concentrated on football. But it (flexibility) comes with age, being free and not being pushed about negative comments. If it's constructive, you don't mind the criticism,' he says.

'You have to be strong psychologically. Players do well when they're positive 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 think twice when he had the opportunity to bring him back to London on Deadline Day in 2015. After his brace against Brighton last week, Silva said it was Iwobi's 'finest 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 frame of mind 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 tune 'Don't Shoot' and in November released a follow-up 'What's Luv?'

'I have actually been involved in a lot of objectives, contributing a lot, and defensively I have actually been working well. You could state it's my best start to the season - I just need to keep it going and make sure it's my finest season. That's the aim' says Iwobi, who credits Silva for offering him 'the license to reveal' himself. 'It's nice to have a supervisor who offers 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 song 'Don't Shoot' and in November released a follow-up 'What's Luv?' which is described 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 best 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 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 resembled 'yes it's Alex!' He said it wasn't bad. I understand 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 too,' includes Iwobi.

Silva's strategy 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 hardly played him at all.

Iwobi would take a trip across the M62 to Manchester and play seven-a-side with his mates in camouflage to enjoy his football again. Now that delight has actually been uncovered after his ₤ 22M move in 2015.

'Everyone's state of mind is one for all and all for one so that's absolutely helping us this season. We have actually been having group meals and bonding which's brought a lot of togetherness, says Iwobi.

Marco Silva initially 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 consume. We arranged a trip to Paris to clear our heads (after the Wolves loss), returned then went 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 arranged for midweek ahead of a run of three video games in seven days over Christmas. 'The gaffer wishes to take us out. That's another little complimentary food so I'm not grumbling,' jokes Iwobi. 'It's actually great. It's like one big household.'

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 was complete of credit for Fulham.

'It shows we have the capability to take on anyone. We are not frightened. Hopefully it will be the exact same against Liverpool. We are going there to get an outcome,' Iwobi firmly insists.