Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi has admitted that he experienced very difficult times in the past and his uncle, former Nigeria skipper Austin Okocha, helped him to find his feet.

The Hale End Academy product feared he was surplus to requirements at the London club before manager Arsene Wenger handed him his debut against Sheffield Wednesday on October 27, 2015.

''Growing up as a kid, there were times when I thought I was going to get released,'' Iwobi said to Soccer Laduma.

''But my mum and dad were always there to help. I have had some difficult times and, without my family and my uncle (Austin Okocha), I wouldn’t be where I am today.

''Considering the difficult path that I have had, my Arsenal career has been amazing. I’m on a good way. However, I’m still young and I have got a long way to go.''

Iwobi was the standout performer in Nigeria's 4-2 thrashing of two-time world champions Argentina in an international friendly on Tuesday, November 14.

Igho Kingsley