Alex Iwobi once had his card declined before having staggering 'payslip' leaked online

Fulham star Alex Iwobi once had his Arsenal 'payslip' leaked online - and the midfielder has revealed he had his card declined during the early days of his career.

Iwobi came through Arsenal's youth academy under Arsene Wenger, becoming a regular part of the first team side before moving on to Everton for £35 million.

He made his debut for Arsenal at the age of 19 in 2015, before taking Alexis Sanchez's old number 17 shirt the following campaign.

Initially played as a left winger at the Gunners, Iwobi would transition into a central midfield role under Frank Lampard at Everton and became one of the side's key players.

The Nigeria international moved to Fulham this summer, ending a four-year stay at Goodison Park.

In January 2019, two documents were shared online - Iwobi's 'Match Bonuses' sheet and his 'AFC Monthly Players Payroll'.

His payroll sheet showed Iwobi was earning a pre-tax weekly wage of around £60,000 per week at the time, having fully established himself as a senior player at Arsenal.

It also showed how he earned bonuses for four separate wins in the month.

Now, speaking on the Hoil Boys podcast, Iwobi has revealed that he once had his card declined during his early days as a footballer.

He explained: "One of my boys said, 'Let's go Nando's,' and I say, 'Yeah man, let's go Nando's'. I ain't even checked my account at this point.

"Gone Nando's, just ordered a normal five wings, chips, garlic bread, soft drink. And I thought, because I'm a footballer, let me take care of my boys.

"The meal came to £40 - obviously you can't tap it, you have to put it in with your code. Declined.

"I was thinking, that's odd. In these times, my dad had access to my account, like my dad's done something because I spent too much? That's what I said to them.

"I said, 'Let me go and check my account'. There was like £39. I was thinking, how?"