It’s been a ‘bumpy ride’ but I love Arsenal – Iwobi
Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi has declared his love for the club and admits he has always had Gunners “blood” in his veins.
The youngster burst onto the scene earlier in the season with his first-team debut in the Gunners’ League Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in October.
The Nigerian international has since made 20 appearances in all competitions and was even a surprise starter in the Champions League last-16 clash against Barcelona in the Camp Nou.
Since joining the club at eight, Iwobi reveals he has always loved Arsenal despite his time at the club being a ‘rollercoaster’ ride.
“I have always loved Arsenal,” he told the Arsenal.com. “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.
“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.
“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.”