Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has explained why he staged a protest that forced Wolverhampton Wanderers to cancel a pre-season training session amid an ongoing transfer dispute with the club.
The incident occurred on Monday after the 25-year-old reportedly sat on the training pitch and refused to leave, preventing the team from holding its scheduled session.
The protest prompted new head coach Cesar Peixoto to call off training, while extra security was deployed at the club’s Compton Park training ground to stop the Nigerian forward from returning.
Reports indicate that Arokodare had been instructed not to train with Wolves’ first team, despite remaining under contract. The decision 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 his actions were motivated solely by his desire to continue training and honour his contractual obligations.
“Throughout my career, I have always taken great pride in conducting myself professionally and maintaining the highest training standards,” Arokodare wrote.
He added that his focus has always been on staying match-fit so he can contribute whenever 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,” he said.
The standoff comes as Wolves prepare for life in the English Championship following their relegation from the Premier League last season.
