Alex Iwobi says he’s looking forward to playing under new coach Unai Emery even though the departure of Arsene Wenger came as a surprise.
Labelling the outgoing Frenchman, who handed him his Arsenal first-team debut in 2015, an ‘inspiration’, the Nigeria international also touched on what it means to represent the club he joined as a child.
“I was surprised by his [Wenger’s] decision,” he told Goal.com after Nigeria’s 2-1 defeat to England at Wembley.
“[Wenger] has been there for me since I joined the club and has been very inspirational and influential on my career, but I am excited having our new manager next season.
“It has always been my childhood dream [to play for Arsenal]. I have been playing for Arsenal since I was six.
“The fact I am representing them now is like a dream come true. I am always proud to wear the Arsenal colours, and long may it continue.”
Iwobi scored for the Super Eagles at Wembley on Saturday, you can watch the goal here, and not long after was confirmed in his country’s 23-man squad for the World Cup. What an experience that’ll be for him.
Bags of potential. Hopefully Unai will bring it out.
Hope he stays and develops, he is young. But good enough to play in the World Cup.
Took me a while to realise the “outgoing Frenchman” meant Wenger – always struck me as more of an introvert.
Also he is outgone.
As a Nigerian goner in a Santi-less Era, Iwobi is my favorite player, and I genuinely believe that he can be better than his uncle, maybe even Kanu. I have high hopes, but then again I’m young and naive so…
I also understand that all three are very different players
Nah mate, Okocha was one of the most entertainingly players of his generation.
They certainly don’t make players like him anymore (nearest is Neymar). Everyone now is all tikki-takka pass masters. Few do the audacious anymore sans Messi and Neymar.
Alex technically has everything to be one of the very best, he really stood out against England as exactly the player they are missing. Great ball retention and the ability to link the midfield and attack. Just needs to continue to improve his end product and confidence in front of goal.
“Exactly the player they are missing.” Yeah, it’s too bad Arsenal didn’t have an English midfield player who could have been called up. Luckily, Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier are sure to fill that role.
That player is Jack Wilshere. Surely even a half fit Jack is better than the cloggers they’ve got in there now. I’m fully prepared for 0-0 against Tunisia and Panama already.
Half fit yes, out of form no
This has to be the most sp*rsy team in living memory, I count 6 in the first XI. Can it get worse than losing to Iceland.. I’m sure they’ll try.
I’m gonna post it here as I’ve been trying to get a campaign going, but I genuinely believe Iwobi has all the traits to do a Cazorla and become a dynamic box-to-box no.8. People talk about what he doesn’t have; intensity off the ball (though outside of Sanchez and formerly Coquelin, that accusation could be made for all of Wenger’s recent teams), positioning and tackling, etc. but these are coachable. What he DOES have is something quite unique; great passing and vision, but most of all the ability to be physical (he may not through himself around, but see him… Read more »
Haha…I actually enjoyed your insight. Thanks.
i think he will do well under the new manager, I think wenger put the shackles on him a bit
Handbrake
‘I was surprised by Wenger’s decision’ you mean the Board’s to sack him!
Iwobi will be a revelation under Emery if he knuckles down. He’s a proper Football coach that will develop his game.
“Iwobi and Emery live together in perfect harmony,
Side by side on my piano keyboard oh lord why don’t we?”
He does look like he can be special and the sort of player who can make a difference in a game. I think he would come good with the right support from all sections (fan base inclusive)
Especially with the support of the fans.
#Legend ?
I have a feeling Alex Iwobi is due to feed lots of people with a large serving of humble pie. Can’t understand that bile towards him and Rambo despite their status (alongside Jack and Jenks) as the “Arsenal men” of the current squad. I love their devotion to the club and really hope the pair find favour with the new boss like they had with Wenger, and for the injury gods to submit to Lord Bergkamp’s command for them to play to their fullest potential for the Gunners! The future looks good. #Iwobi in. #Rambo in. #COYG!
Ten out of ten for your username.
So many top international pro’s of yesteryear put their kids into the Arsenal Academy.
You get good education and Wenger is a classy dude who will look out for all the youth team and watch the games too.
Emery is also someone who has faith in youth players. It won’t be his responsibility to check up on the youth teams, but I am sure he won’t miss anything judging by the reports about Yacine Adli and his apparent link to Emery.
So many international pros putting their kids in Arsenal academy is a problem. We want sheer talent not names. Patrick Kluivert’s son has become a real talent with Ajax. That’s the only case I know of.
goal.com as the source makes me question if this interview even happened.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNZpZb-LfDk
Undeniable talent just needs alot of polish.
Before we harp on about Holding or Mavropanos or Nketiah, this is the fellow to watch. Too many fans are simplistic and only ever see faults in a player without acknowledging positives. They get a lob sided view of things which they then exacerbate. Iwobi has room for improvement but he is still a young player working on consistency. What he can offer for this team is potentially huge. Over last several games (particularly against Bunrley), he was instrumental moving us forward and providing a bit of dynamism. When Wenger (finally) moved him into a deeper lying role just ahead… Read more »
As a Nigerian we love him, not had the best season neither has any players this season but hoping Emery can push him to work harder with real coaching