Alex Iwobi is discussing the multi-coloured braids in his hair and how even his hairdo has helped his football in what he sees as his finest start to a Premier League season up until now.
'Yeah, that actually plays a part (in expressing myself),' the Fulham midfielder says.
'My father's in your house and he's probably heard me. He didn't like that I coloured my hair. I got tired and didn't desire to suffice off so I believed let's do something various that no one else has. I actually told the hair stylist to 'express yourself' but not too wild. It's wild since it's red and purple at the minute however I like it. My father's accepted it now so I'm simple.'
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 always had the frame of mind of feeling like there's more to life than football but has actually only expressed himself more in current years, going to Paris Fashion Week, releasing singles and launching his charitable foundation, Project 17.
'It's always been my hobby to do music, charity work and things in style. But it's only recently that I have actually been revealing myself a lot more, to reveal individuals that I am not simply a footballer. There is more to life, he says.
Alexi Iwobi has actually made his best start to a Premier League season with five goals in 15 matches
The 28-year-old states his multi-coloured braids have actually added to his on-pitch improvement
It's a plain contrast from the short-haired teen 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 complimentary in a local supermarket.
'You understand what Liverpool are like - it's going to be an intense game however whether I get constrain or have no hamstrings, I will be there on Sunday,' Iwobi stresses.
'In your house I was raised in, my daddy naturally just . To people in Nigeria, to his family and even people in the street - he would simply buy bottles of water and provide them to neighbours. Seeing how my mum and father are has motivated me to provide to others, whether they are lucky or less lucky. With the position I remain in, I seem like it's just best with the influence I have that I provide back too.'
Through these efforts off the pitch, Iwobi believes is the trick to his success on the pitch too. The Nigerian has actually currently scored more objectives than in any other season, with five in the league for a Fulham side that is just two points behind fifth-placed Nottingham Forest.
'As a child you desire to do your best to impress the supervisor and desire everybody to understand you are fully focused on football. But it (freedom) features age, being free and not being pushed about negative remarks. If it's constructive, you don't mind the criticism,' he says.
'You need to be strong psychologically. 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 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 think twice when he had the opportunity to bring him back to London on Deadline Day last year. After his brace versus Brighton last week, Silva said it was Iwobi's 'finest 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 insists that he's always had the state of mind of feeling like there's more to life than football
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Earlier this year, Iwobi ended up being 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?'
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'I have actually been associated with a great deal of objectives, contributing a lot, and defensively I have actually been working well. You might say it's my best start to the season - I just need to keep it going and ensure it's my best season. That's the objective' states Iwobi, who credits Silva for giving him 'the license to reveal' himself. 'It's nice to have a supervisor who gives you the self-confidence to do that,' he states.
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?' 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 best start to a top-flight season given that 2003-04.
'I do not get it on in the dressing room but when you have team-mates like Calvin Bassey, he just can't help himself, Iwobi reveals.
'He is tapping the manager 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 resembled 'yes it's Alex!' He stated it wasn't bad. I know the very first time he didn't understand what was stated however he delighted in the beat. So it's a win-win.
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'Everyone vibes with it and I'm having excellent feedback from the group - even individuals who don't speak English as their mother tongue like the Brazilians, they're vibing also,' adds Iwobi.
Silva's plan 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 again. Now that delight has been rediscovered after his ₤ 22M relocation last year.
'Everyone's mindset is one for all and all for one so that's absolutely assisting us this season. We've been having team meals and bonding which's brought a great deal 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 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 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 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 three video games in seven days over Christmas. 'The gaffer wishes to take us out. That's another bit of complimentary food so I'm not complaining,' jokes Iwobi. 'It's actually good. It resembles one huge family.'
But first, Fulham will head to Anfield with belief, having taken points from Arsenal recently and narrowly losing at Man City in October in a game where Pep Guardiola had lots of credit for Fulham.
'It shows we have the ability to take on anyone. We are not frightened. Hopefully it will be the very same against 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.
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Iwobi Open on how his Hairstyle, Fashion and Music have Helped Him
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