Alex Iwobi exclusive: Last season was just a stepping stone for Fulham, now we want Europe | OneFootball

Iwobi targeting a big season at Craven Cottage after non-stop summer

When it comes to summer breaks, few footballers can match Alex Iwobi for how much he crammed in.

At the heart of his summer, though, was the P17 Cup - a tournament hosted by Iwobi to raise awareness of the effects of sickle cell disease and the importance of blood donations.

“I’m trying to make it easy for the scouts,” Iwobi tells Standard Sport, grinning. “There’s about six matches going on at once, so if they want to look for the next me, they can come to the tournament!

Iwobi hosted the P17 Cup, a tournament to raise awareness of the effects of sickle cell disease and the importance of blood donations

P17 Cup

“But, in all honesty, from the reviews I got, I don’t think one person had a bad day. We wanted to raise awareness around sickle cell and, with football and the influence I have, I can educate people.

“When I have the power to not just change my life but other people’s lives, I feel happy inside to do so. Every year the tournament just keeps growing, so who knows what it is going to be like next year.”

Iwobi is hoping for growth with Fulham this season, too. They achieved a club-record Premier League points tally last season, but he is hungry for more.

Narrowly missing out on a top-half finish hurt, as did losing to eventual FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals.

“Everyone wants to play in Europe,” says Iwobi. “I have played in Europe before - I want a taste of it again.

“Everyone was pleased [last season], but it’s just a stepping stone to improve, to hopefully finish in the top 10, hopefully finish in the Europa Conference League spot - that’s the aim for this season.”

Iwobi’s Fulham kick-off the new season against Brighton on Saturday

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Iwobi views manager Marco Silva as key to Fulham’s hopes and is delighted he is staying.

Silva was linked with several jobs this summer, including Tottenham, but he is leading Fulham into the new season.

“He is one to show his emotions, he is going to fight for the team,” says Iwobi. “But off the pitch, you can talk to him.

Iwobi has thrived under Silva and last season scored nine Premier League goals - his best return in front of goal.

He puts that down to the freedom Silva affords him and the style of football he encourages Fulham to play.

“He always says to me, when I am happy is when I play my best football,” says Iwobi. “I have always seen football as fun, ever since I was a kid.

“I was blessed to come through an Arsenal team with Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Alexis Sanchez - but I am really happy at Fulham.

Iwobi scoring against Wolves last season

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“The style of play is almost close to the style when I was breaking through at Arsenal - the system, structure and how we want to play.”

Iwobi was joined at Fulham last summer by former Arsenal team-mate Emile Smith Rowe, who ended the campaign with six goals.

Reiss Nelson also arrived on loan, and with Fulham keen to bring him back this season, Iwobi believes supporters are yet to see the best of either player.

“The thing about Emile - everyone knows his qualities. When you train with him, when you see him playing constantly, you know the sort of player he is,” says Iwobi.

“The main struggle he had was just remaining fit. That is when you get the best out of him. He just needs to remain fit and I am sure everyone will see the best of Emile.

“It’s the same with Reiss. His style of play is very explosive. He is very sharp. I just hope that he returns fit and healthy as soon as possible.

“It would be nice for him to come back to Fulham, because we know the sort of player he is. I can try to be an agent - but I am not!

“There is a specific group chat - I am not going to name names - but a lot of people are pressuring him, trying to find out what is going on! Me, I am not one of them!”

Iwobi is close with Smith Rowe and the pair went to Paris together this summer for Fashion Week.

While there, Iwobi made some music with Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana - who he played with at Everton - and they have now recorded three songs together.

Iwobi finds making music a way to switch off from football and express himself, and it is the same with fashion.

“I don’t feel like there are any rules to fashion - just be you,” he says. “That’s why I enjoy fashion, because you kind of see what people are like through their fashion. Whatever you want to wear, do it with a smile on your face and confidence.”

For all the summer adventures and projects, Iwobi knows the real stage is the Premier League - and he’s ready to put on a show this season.