Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare has rejected claims that he forced the cancellation of a first-team training session amid uncertainty over his future.
Reports had alleged the Nigerian international refused to leave the training pitch at Wolves’ Compton Park base after being told he would not be involved with the senior squad. It was suggested his actions left new head coach Cesar Peixoto unable to continue the scheduled session.
The situation was reportedly connected to Wolves’ attempts to move Arokodare on following their relegation to the Championship. The club are said to have accepted an offer from Turkish side Trabzonspor, while rejecting a proposed deal involving Fiorentina.
Arokodare is believed to favour a move to Italy, but he has now challenged the account of what happened at the training ground and insisted he remains committed to meeting his contractual obligations.
“I was very surprised and disappointed to see the media reports today, many of which were inaccurate,” he wrote on social media.
“Throughout my career, I have always taken great pride in conducting myself professionally and maintaining the highest training standards.
“My commitment has always been to prepare myself as well as possible so that I can contribute to my team-mates 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 25-year-old was not included in the Wolves side that faced Maidenhead United in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday. Peixoto’s team won the game 3-0, with Arokodare’s absence adding further weight to suggestions that he does not feature prominently in the club’s plans.
Wolves paid around £24 million to sign the towering forward from Belgian side Genk last summer. He had scored 21 league goals during his final full season in Belgium, finishing as the Belgian Pro League’s leading scorer, but found chances harder to come by in England.
Arokodare scored three times in 27 Premier League appearances as Wolves were relegated, although he also found the net three times across the domestic cup competitions. The striker has previously played for Valmiera, FC Köln and Amiens, and has been capped by Nigeria.
He was also disciplined by Wolves in April following a confrontation with young attacker Mateus Mane, an incident which has inevitably been referenced amid the latest reports.
For now, there are competing versions of events. Reports continue to suggest Wolves are attempting to facilitate Arokodare’s departure, while the player has made it clear that he disputes suggestions his behaviour caused training to be abandoned.
Wolves begin their Championship campaign at home to Blackburn Rovers on Friday, August 14, and Peixoto will hope the matter is resolved before competitive football gets underway.
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