BENIK Afobe has been helped and also helps.

The worlds of Robin van Persie and orphans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo could not be any further removed.

But for Afobe, both have touched his life.

Van Persie, who is recognised as one of the best strikers of his generation, was a role model for Afobe during his time at Arsenal.

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Holland’s record goalscorer would offer tips and advice to a teenage Afobe, the pair striking up a friendship as they rehabilitated from their respective injuries.

Shortly after turning professional in 2007, Afobe set up a foundation in Congo, the country his parents fled during the civil war of the late 1980s.

The Afobe Foundation, based in the capital Kinshasa, helps young people who have lost their own parents or guardians rebuild their lives.

A non-profit making organisation, it supports boys and girls between the ages of seven and 18, providing food, clothing, counselling and – above all – hope.

Bournemouth Echo:

Afobe, who joined Cherries from Wolves last month, told the Daily Echo: “We give kids lots of activities, food and shelter.

“It is hard work but it puts a lot of smiles on the faces of children who have nowhere to go. If I could, I would help every kid in the world but we can’t. At least we are helping a section of young Congolese children.

“It goes through me but when you play and concentrate on training, it is hard to run so my older sister and my mum and dad look after it. They travel back and forth quite a lot.

“It was hard to start with because when you are 17 or 18, you don’t earn much money. But as the years have gone on, it has got bigger.

“We have had a lot of help and are doing well. The main thing for me is football and I let my family work with the charity. I hope to go over in the summer, meet the kids and do some talks.”

Bournemouth Echo: Bournemouth's Benik Afobe salutes the fans after scoring his first goal for his new club

Afobe, whose father is a retired painter and decorator and mother a nurse, was raised in east London and spent 15 years at Arsenal before leaving the club in January 2015.

He had two long injury layoffs during the latter stages of his career with the Gunners and spent many an hour in the treatment room with van Persie, who is now at Fenerbahçe.

“We were both injured at the same time,” said Afobe. “He is a great guy and I have a huge amount of respect for him.

“I remember him saying “live your life right and your time will come. Keep working hard, you’re a good player, you’re strong and quick and you can score goals. Just keep wanting to learn and improve and have confidence”.

“When you are 18 or 19 and you hear that from the best striker in the Premier League at the time, it is great.

“It just shows how humble he is. I have always thought to myself that if ever I get to that stage, I will help younger players. He was such a good role model in how he lives, not just on the pitch but with how he looked after young players like me.

“Coming from Arsenal, I wouldn’t say you have it nice but you are playing for England under-19s and you are playing for a big club. You see the likes of Fabregas and van Persie and you think you have arrived. Not in an arrogant or big-time way, but you think you aren’t far away. In reality, you are miles away because you have to go out and do it.

“Whether they have come through the academy or been bought for £30million, these players have done it and grafted.

“You might be sitting in the same changing room, going to a club dinner or having a joke with them but they are miles ahead in terms of what they have achieved in their careers. I will never stop grafting in pursuit of what I want.”