Kind-hearted Fulham star Alex Iwobi wants to keep charity work off the pitch as he opens up on struggles
Fulham made a habit of taking points off the big boys last season but giving too many against the teams they felt they should beat.
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League doubles over Newcastle and Nottingham Forest were supplemented by beating Chelsea and taking four points off champions Liverpool.
But painful defeats to Wolves, West Ham, Everton and two against struggling Manchester United denied the Cottagers a spot in Europe.
So rather than handing out freebies to their Prem rivals, Iwobi is determined to keep supporting those less fortunate with his Project 17 charity.
Set up in 2021, Iwobi was keen to use his public profile and platform to make a positive impact in society.
Ventures have included a homeless shelter and setting up a shop of free food at Christmas.
And this weekend was the latest P17 Cup - his very own football tournament.
After previous editions in Dagenham and Enfield, this year's event was in Bromley in association with ACLT, a life-saving charity working to increase the number of black blood, stem cell and organ donors.
Representation in blood donation is urgent. Only two per cent of donors are black, yet conditions like sickle cell disease primarily affect black communities.
Iwobi, 29, told SunSport: 'We're trying to raise awareness for people that are suffering with sickle cell and educate others.
'We started Project 17 after Covid lockdown when my secondary school boys said I should show I'm human and there's more to me than just football.
Ex-Arsenal ace Alex Iwobi releases music video for his second single What's Luv as fans call it 'great retirement plan'
'Obviously, I like to do the music, I like to do fashion and I also like to also give back to charities.
'It's not just the good, but also the bad stuff as well. I want people to know that not only that I go through the great times, but there's also tough times in my life.
'For example, everyone suffers with mental illness or mental struggles. I do have my struggles as well.'
Iwobi says honest and vulnerable conversations about mental health take place in the 'brotherhood' that is the Fulham dressing room.
But there have also been frank conversations about results, especially after slipping up against teams Marco Silva's men expected to beat last season.
WHAT IS SICKLE CELL DISEASE?
SICKLE cell disease is a genetic condition that prevents red blood cells from developing properly.
The cells can become abnormally shaped and die quicker than healthy blood cells, raising the risk of clots or blood vessel blockages.
Most people live normal lives with the condition but it can trigger flare-ups called sickle cell crises, when symptoms become painful and may lead to complications.
Signs include:
Dizziness
Pain
Tiredness and weakness
Headaches
Shortness of breath
Patients with sickle cell disorders are also at higher risk of infections, anaemia (low blood iron), gallstones, stroke, high blood pressure and kidney problems.
There is no definitive cure for sickle cell disease and many patients require treatment throughout their lives.
An estimated 15,000 people in England have it and it is more common in black people.
The West Londoners paid the price last season by finishing 11th.
Now after seeing Crystal Palace lift their first major trophy and qualify for Europe, Fulham want to do the same.
Iwobi added: 'Of course. We were so close last season to achieving Europe.
'We always seem to do well against the so-called bigger teams. I don't know if we just mentally get psyched up and prepared to play.
'They are a bit more open in the sense that they all want to attack, attack, attack. They may leave a few more gaps for us to exploit.
'But against the least-favoured teams, the teams we should be favoured to win, we seem to struggle a bit more, they defend patiently.
'We're trying to work on it in training. Hopefully, next season, we'll find ways to break down teams that like to defend with 11 men behind the ball and produce a lot more consistent results.'
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