Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has explained his actions after his protest at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ training ground led to the cancellation of a pre-season training session.
Arokodare reportedly sat on the training pitch on Monday, preventing the club from holding the session as Wolves began preparations for life in the English Championship following their relegation from the Premier League.
The 25-year-old reportedly refused to leave the pitch, forcing new head coach Cesar Peixoto to cancel the training session. Additional security was later deployed at the club’s Compton Park training ground to prevent the Nigerian forward from returning.
Reports claimed Arokodare had been instructed not to train with Wolves’ first team, a decision reportedly contrary to recent FIFA regulations.
In a social media post on Tuesday, the striker offered his account of the incident, saying his “only intention is to fulfil my responsibilities professionally by training, doing my job, and contributing to the team in accordance with that contract”.
He added that he was focused on maintaining his fitness and being ready to contribute whenever he was given the opportunity.
“Throughout my career, I have always taken great pride in conducting myself professionally and maintaining the highest training standards,” Arokodare said.
“My commitment has always been to prepare myself as well as possible so that I can contribute to my teammates and the club whenever I am called upon.
“I remain under contract with Wolves, and my only intention is to fulfil my responsibilities professionally by training, doing my job, and contributing to the team in accordance with that contract.”
The incident is not Arokodare’s first disciplinary issue at Wolves. In April, he was involved in an altercation with teenage teammate Mateus Mane, resulting in a fine and a subsequent reduction in his playing time.
The Nigerian striker is reportedly seeking a move away from Wolves, having joined the club for £24 million last year.
Several clubs have shown interest in the forward, with reports suggesting that Wolves have accepted an offer from Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor. However, Arokodare is said to prefer a transfer to Serie A club Fiorentina.