Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare has denied reports that he refused to train after speculation emerged linking him with a move away from Molineux during the summer transfer window.
The Nigeria international found himself at the centre of controversy after reports claimed a Wolves training session was cut short on Monday following an incident involving the 25-year-old.
It was alleged that Arokodare sat down on the pitch and demanded the club allow him to complete a transfer to Serie A side Fiorentina.
According to reports, Wolves have rejected an approach from Fiorentina but accepted an offer from Turkish club Trabzonspor, with the striker believed to favour a move to Italy instead.
The reported incident was said to have forced new head coach Cesar Peixoto to end the training session early, while Arokodare was also left out of Wolves’ pre-season friendly against Maidenhead United on Wednesday.
However, the former Genk forward has strongly rejected suggestions that he refused to train or acted unprofessionally.
In a statement shared on social media, Arokodare said he was “very surprised and disappointed” by the reports circulating in the media, insisting they did not accurately reflect what had happened.
“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.”
Arokodare joined Wolves from Belgian side Genk in a £24 million move last summer but endured a difficult debut campaign in England. He made 38 appearances across all competitions, starting only 16 matches, and scored six goals despite generating an expected goals tally of 7.4.
The striker was also involved in a disciplinary issue last season following an altercation with teammate Mateus Mane.
His situation now presents an early challenge for Peixoto, who recently replaced Rob Edwards as Wolves manager. With the transfer window still open, uncertainty remains over Arokodare’s future as Wolves weigh their options amid continued interest from clubs across Europe.
