(Tolu Arokodare. Photo by Vanguard News)
In the midst of an ongoing transfer dispute with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Super Eagles attacker Tolu Arokodare has explained why he organized a protest that resulted in the cancellation of a preseason training session.
The 25-year-old allegedly sat on the training field and would not move, which prevented the squad from holding its planned session on Monday.
New head coach Cesar Peixoto called off training as a result of the protest, and additional security was put in place at the team’s Compton Park training facility to prevent the Nigerian forward from going back.
Reports indicate that Arokodare had been instructed not to train with Wolves’ first team despite remaining under contract, a decision that reportedly came amid disagreements over his proposed transfer away from the club.
Wolves are said to have accepted an offer from Turkish side Trabzonspor, while Arokodare is believed to favour a move to Italian Serie A outfit Fiorentina.
Breaking his silence in a statement shared on social media on Tuesday, the striker insisted that his actions were driven solely by his desire to keep training and honour his contractual obligations, stating that throughout his career he has always taken pride in conducting himself professionally and maintaining high training standards.
He added that his focus has always been on staying match-fit so he can contribute whenever called upon, stressing that he remains under contract with Wolves and that his only intention is to fulfil his responsibilities professionally by training, doing his job, and contributing to the team in line with that contract.
The standoff comes as Wolves prepare for life in the English Championship following their relegation from the Premier League last season.
