Arokodare pushes for Fiorentina switch, sparks Wolves drama
Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare reportedly disrupted a training session after refusing to leave the pitch in an apparent bid to force a move to Italian Serie A side Fiorentina.
According to BBC Sport, the 25-year-old Nigeria international sat down on the pitch during Monday’s training session and insisted the club allow him to join Fiorentina.
Wolves are understood to have rejected Fiorentina’s offer, despite accepting a bid from Turkish club Trabzonspor.
The incident prompted newly appointed manager Cesar Peixoto to cancel the remainder of the training session. Arokodare was also left out of Wolves’ pre-season friendly against Maidenhead United on Wednesday.
Responding to the reports, Arokodare released a statement on social media on Wednesday, insisting he has always conducted himself professionally throughout his career.
“Throughout my career, I have always taken great pride in conducting myself professionally and maintaining the highest training standards,” he wrote.
“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 latest episode adds to previous disciplinary issues involving the striker. In April, he was sanctioned following a confrontation with young forward Mateus Mane.
Arokodare joined Wolves from Belgian side Genk for £24 million last summer but managed just three league goals as the club finished bottom of the Premier League and suffered relegation.
The situation presents an early test for Peixoto, who was appointed last month following the departure of Rob Edwards. The Portuguese coach will be hoping to guide Wolves back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
