Alex Iwobi on his Craven Cottage memories with Jay-Jay Okocha in Bolton

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has shared his memories of watching his uncle Jay-Jay Okocha play at Craven Cottage as a youngster in a revealing interview with the Athletic’s Peter Rutzler.

The former Arsenal and Everton star, now a Nigerian international regular, took every opportunity to watch Okocha when he could as a young boy and some of his favourite trips were to Fulham when the legendary entertainer was playing for Bolton Wanderers:

“I remember as a kid coming here. I watched him with my dad — coming here on my dad’s shoulders. I always said to myself that one day I wanted to play and do what he did. Coming here and playing for Fulham has given me so many memories.”

Iwobi, who opened his Fulham account with the winner as the Whites progressed past Norwich City in the League Cup last Wednesday, has settled in seamlessly under Marco Silva, his old manager at Everton, and reiterated that the Portuguese coach’s desire to bring him back to London was a key factor in his deadline day move.

“He said the same thing he did to get me from Arsenal to Everton: ‘I believe in your abilities, your qualities’, and he said it was a plus that I played in numerous positions at Everton. The main thing is that he knows I have the ability to get goals and assists. So I just have to remain calm and do that. I was able to do it. Hopefully, there’s more to come.”