By: Felix Ikpotor
Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi has revealed that his Arsenal team-mate, Mesut Ozil, has urged him to ignore any criticism he gets and focus on enjoying his football.
The Super Eagles forward, broke into Arsene Wenger’s first team last season and is enjoying an extended run this new campaign.
Ozil, who recently compared Iwobi to his uncle, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, has encouraged the 20-year-old to “play with a smile”.
“Mesut just tells me that I’m young and need to express myself on the pitch,” Iwobi told Arsenal’s website.
“Obviously I need to listen to other people’s advice as well, but he tells me to always play with a smile on my face and enjoy the game.”
On his comparison to Okocha, he said: “When I saw [his comments] I was like, ‘Wow is he serious?’ because he never really says that much to me. He just gives me advice and help, but it’s such a confidence boost for such a great player to say that about me.”
Iwobi also insisted that nothing has changed about him, despite the fast rise in his career.
“I’m the same kid I used to be,” he added. “the same kid who used to work hard. There’s a bit of luck as well.
“For me to get that chance and take it like I did, I’m just fortunate and happy to have taken them. I guess it’s luck at the end of the day.”
