Alex Iwobi: I have the blood of Arsenal in me

Arsenal sensation Alex Iwobi has revealed his love for the club in an interview looking back on his rollercoaster career so far.

The young Nigerian winger has burst onto the scene somewhat for the Gunners this season, catching the eye of many with his dynamic performances.

Iwobi made his debut back in October, coming on in the closing stages of a 3-0 away win at Swansea City. Since then, he has appeared in 11 more Premier League matches and has become a regular for Arsene Wenger.

The 20-year-old scored in back to back goals, bagging in a 2-0 win at Everton and a 4-0 victory over Watford at the Emirates Stadium, before following up with two assists away at West Ham.

“I have always loved Arsenal,” he told the Arsenal website. “When I was young, I was always waiting to watch the legends of the club play. You could say I have the blood of Arsenal in me.”

Iwobi has been with the club since he was a child and has progressed through the ranks in order to fulfil a childhood dream.

“I have seen the picture of me [signing as child] in the yellow top. I remember signing – that moment was crazy, I remember smiling so much. My mum and dad were proud of me and they were there waiting for me.

“It has been a bumpy ride [since then]. It has been a rollercoaster with a lot of ups and a few downs that I have had to get over in the past. Certainly now there are a lot more positives in my career.”

Having been born in Lagos, Iwobi made his debut for the Nigeria national team in October last year despite playing for England at youth level, and he admitted he has not always been so confident.

“As a youngster, the main thing for me was confidence. I would always be in the background and I wouldn’t take the game or be who I am right now. I always relied on other people, but I think having my family and friends around me gave me a bit more confidence and they told me what I needed to work on.

“Once I worked on that, I was able to overcome it and thank God get the contract which was good enough for me.

“It is all good to have the ability, to be able to play football and be the best, but how you are as a person is also key. To keep trying to be your best, to keep working hard and be humble with it, that is the key to making it as a footballer.”