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<\/p>\nFormer Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi has shared text messages sent between him and late Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s history after arriving from Arsenal for \u00a334million in 2019.<\/p>\n
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 \u00a322m with add ons. But Kenwright\u2019s influence on the 27-year-old during tough times at Everton both with the team and his personal performances, still resonates with him now.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Everton chairman Bill Kenwright dies aged 78 after prolonged stay in intensive care <\/b><\/p>\n
READ MORE: Inside Bill Kenwright's Coronation Street career and life on the cobbles away from Everton <\/b><\/p>\n
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: \u201cRIP to a hero! Played a big part in my career and my life, I\u2019ll forever be grateful!<\/p>\n
One text sent from Kenwright before Everton\u2019s crunch relegation time which they lost 3-2 at home against Brentford in May 2022, said: \u201cNo one is more pleased than your chairman that you are on the way to becoming an Everton legend Alex\u2026 I\u2019m SO proud of you coz I know it\u2019s not always been easy. Be our hero tomorrow\u2026again! God bless you. Chairman.\u201d<\/p>\n
What do you make of Bill Kenwright\u2019s messages to Alex Iwobi? Let us know in the comments section.<\/i> <\/b><\/p>\n
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A second message from Kenwright after Iwobi assisted Neal Maupay\u2019s winner against West Ham in September 2022 that gave the Toffees a first Premier League win of the 2022\/23 season read: \u201cIt\u2019s time to tell you again Alex\u2026 Your chairman is so proud of you. Another immaculate performance. And a win!!! Congratulations, Chairman.\u201d<\/p>\n
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."<\/p>\n