New Wolverhampton Wanderers signing Tolu Arokodare has expressed his excitement after sealing a £22.4 million transfer from Belgian side Genk, describing his arrival in the Premier League as a dream come true and a challenge he is ready to embrace, Bold Sports reports.
Speaking in his first interview with the club, the 24-year-old Super Eagles striker revealed that the move had been in the works for some time but insisted he was determined to make it happen.
“It feels amazing. It did take a while, but I’m here finally, and I’m happy to be here. I didn’t need convincing. I know the history of the club and the players that have been here and how they’ve progressed to become better players. I like the project of the club, and that’s what I want for myself. I want to improve and I want to progress, and help this team.”
Arokodare believes he will have little trouble adapting to Wolves’ attacking style, pointing out the similarities between his profile and the team’s current striking options.
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“I think I’ll fit in pretty good. If you, for example, look at the strikers that we have now, we’re almost the same profile, so it won’t be difficult for me to adapt. You could see how good Jorgen Strand Larsen did last season, and I’m just here to help the team.”
The Nigerian forward arrives on the back of an outstanding season with Genk, where he scored 23 goals and provided five assists, winning the Belgian Pro League Golden Boot and the Ebony Shoe for the best African player in Belgium.
“I would say there is still that confidence from last season. I haven’t played as many minutes this season for obvious reasons, but hopefully I can get back to playing more minutes and I can get back to my goal scoring form.”
Reflecting on his Golden Boot achievement, Arokodare admitted it was a hard-fought success.
“It (the golden boot) was very nice. It wasn’t easy, because there was very good competition. To be honest, and to give credit to the other guy, I was joint top scorer, but it was an amazing feeling. It felt like a well done, it was just a little bit sad that we didn’t win the title, but it was also something to take home with me.”
Arokodare is confident his physicality and style of play will suit the demands of the Premier League and is eager to test himself against England’s elite defenders.
“The Premier League is a league full of physicality, high intensity, a lot of runs, and I think I’m that kind of player. I think I’m strong, I’m fast. Obviously, the first few games and weeks won’t be the easiest, but it’s a challenge that I think I’m ready for, and I think I’ll fit in pretty good.”
The striker revealed that joining Wolves felt like the natural next step in his career after stints in Germany, France, and Belgium.
“It was time already. I had my mind set here, this is where I wanted to be, because I played in Germany, France, Belgium, and I think it was just here missing, and finally I’m happy to be here.”
Despite admitting he is not yet fully match fit, Arokodare hopes to use his time with the Nigerian national team to sharpen up ahead of his Wolves debut.
“I wouldn’t say I’m completely match fit, because I haven’t played more than 30 minutes in a single game, but I’m going to the national team now, and hopefully I get to play games, and if it doesn’t happen, I’ll just try to stay fit and come back and be in top form for the team.”
The striker also shared his excitement about meeting his new teammates and playing in front of the Molineux crowd.
“I can’t wait to meet the guys, to meet the coach, and to start training with the team. I tried on the jerseys yesterday, the three different ones, they felt nice, they felt amazing, they felt right. I can’t wait for the first game, the first home game, if I’m starting, if I’m coming off the bench, if I’m on the bench, not playing, I can’t wait just to be in front of the fans.”
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