Arsenal forward chooses Okocha as his Premier League idol and we know why

Arsenal star Alex Iwobi has revealed that his uncle and Nigerian football great Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha is his Premier League idol.

Iwobi has had an exponential rise in football since he was promoted to the Arsenal first team in 2015.

This season, the 20-year-old has become a regular for Arsenal and his performances have drawn praises from several quarters.

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Asked who his Premier League idol was, Iwobi chose his uncle Okocha who once played and captain Bolton Wanderers.

“It definitely has to be my uncle,” the Arsenal forward said.

“He is someone I can talk to and help me not just on the pitch but off the pitch.”

As a kid growing in football crazy London, who else for Iwobi to look up to than his very own uncle, Jay Jay Okocha.

Iwobi was between the ages of six and 10 when his uncle was pulling the strings in Bolton’s midfield.

“Growing up he was my idol, he did help me and advised me a lot.” Iwobi added.

Now a bonafide football star, it is not a surprise to see Jay Jay Okocha proud of his mentee and actually his number one fan.

But that is still surreal for Iwobi.

The Super Eagles forward can’t believe that a player he grew up idolizing is now his biggest fan.

“He was at my house the other day and when he was asking me for my shirt, I was confused,” Iwobi told Arsenal Player.

“I thought it was a joke at first and then my dad got out one of my old jerseys and gave it to him.

“He said 'I’m going to treasure this' and I was like ‘Wow, it used to be the other way around'. For it to be like that was a moment I enjoyed, but it was crazy.

“I was always looking up to my uncle. Everyone knew that my uncle played for Bolton and he was a very big figure in Africa as well.

“He doesn’t just help me on the pitch, he helps me off the pitch, which is a key thing for me.”

Iwobi is set to feature again for Arsenal when they lost Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday, November 6.