Former Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi has shared text messages sent between him and late Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright.
Iwobi was among football and performing arts stars to pay their respects to Kenwright, who died on Monday at the age of 78. Kenwright held the reigns at Goodison Park since 2004, with Iwobi being one of his most expensive signings in the club’s history after arriving from Arsenal for £34million in 2019.
The former England youth international left Everton in the summer after 140 games for the club, joining Fulham in a deal that could rise to £22m with add ons. But Kenwright’s influence on the 27-year-old during tough times at Everton both with the team and his personal performances, still resonates with him now.
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Iwobi took to Twitter to pay his respects to Kenwright as he shared texts of support sent by the chairman, who would regularly write in third person. Iwobi posted a praying emoji with the message: “RIP to a hero! Played a big part in my career and my life, I’ll forever be grateful!
One text sent from Kenwright before Everton’s crunch relegation time which they lost 3-2 at home against Brentford in May 2022, said: “No one is more pleased than your chairman that you are on the way to becoming an Everton legend Alex… I’m SO proud of you coz I know it’s not always been easy. Be our hero tomorrow…again! God bless you. Chairman.”
What do you make of Bill Kenwright’s messages to Alex Iwobi? Let us know in the comments section.
A second message from Kenwright after Iwobi assisted Neal Maupay’s winner against West Ham in September 2022 that gave the Toffees a first Premier League win of the 2022/23 season read: “It’s time to tell you again Alex… Your chairman is so proud of you. Another immaculate performance. And a win!!! Congratulations, Chairman.”
Everton ace Ashley Young also paid his respects to Kenwright on social media, saying: "RIP Mr Chairman. Thank you for the welcome you gave me when I joined our club." While ex-Toffees striker Tony Cottee wrote: "So sad to hear of the passing of Bill Kenwright. Everton have lost a great Evertonian and I have lost a friend…RIP Bill."
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