Ex-Arsenal star Alex Iwobi explains motivation behind releasing debut single 'Don't Shoot' alongside two fellow footballers

The former Arsenal midfielder launched his debut single alongside Ajax attacker Chuba Akpom and Ramsgate midfielder Medy Elito. Iwobi says the track's lyrics are aimed at discouraging youngsters in London from violence and encouraging them to shoot for different goals.

"Growing up in London, there is a lot of criminal activity, things that you don’t want to see or hear. With our powers, we are trying to say don’t do that, channel it into something else," he told Evening Standard. "Whether it is football or music, anything that keeps you on the straight path is what we are trying to show everyone. I’ve always loved music, I am not going to lie, but in terms of releasing a song, I never thought [that would happen]. It was just something where my friends said: ‘The music is actually decent, why don’t you release it?’ So, we thought let’s release it at the right time and not get distracted, because the main focus will always be football. But at the same time, I am more than just a footballer. I am human, like everyone else."

Iwobi released the track during the summer break after he played a key role in Fulham's 2023-24 campaign. The Nigeria international scored five times and registered two assists in 30 Premier League games as the Cottagers finished 13th in the top-flight - they also reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Iwobi may put his music career on hold for now as he prepares to get the new season with Fulham underway. Their Premier League campaign begins with an away game against Manchester United on August 16.