Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare says he already feels at home at Ajax after making an impressive start to his season-long loan spell from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 25-year-old has wasted little time settling into life in Amsterdam, scoring on his debut just days after completing his move to the Dutch club. Despite the perfect start, Arokodare believes the biggest reason to be excited is the winning culture he has found inside Ajax.
“My first impression of Ajax is amazing,” the striker said in an interview with De Telegraaf. “The mentality is fantastic. Everyone within the club knows, of course, what happened last season. We also all know what we have to do this season, and you feel that immediately as soon as you step onto the training pitch.”
Ajax finished below their usual standards last season, and Arokodare says every player is determined to help the club return to the top.
“Everyone wants to win, everyone wants to get back to the top. That is fantastic. I want to help the team, score goals, and fight for the squad,” he added.
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Arokodare: Dream debut and European boost
Arokodare officially joined Ajax on Wednesday, July 29, after arriving at the Johan Cruijff ArenA to complete his medical and sign his contract with technical director Jordi Cruijff. The agreement includes a non-compulsory €22 million (£17-18 million) purchase option, while the move also made him the eighth Nigerian player to represent the Dutch giants, following stars such as Nwankwo Kanu and Finidi George.
Soon after completing the formalities, the 1.97-metre striker reported to De Toekomst, Ajax’s training base, where he met his new teammates, completed media duties and joined first-team training.
His impact came almost immediately. During Ajax’s pre-season friendly against FC Volendam on August 2, Arokodare came off the bench in the 71st minute to replace Marcos Leonardo. Seventeen minutes later, he pounced on a loose ball inside the six-yard box and calmly fired home in the 88th minute to seal a 3-1 victory.
The Nigerian says the support he has received since arriving has made adapting much easier.
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“The players gave me a wonderful welcome. You can see that in how we treat each other. When Leo (Marcos Leonardo, ed.) scored, everyone on the bench was applauding him and everyone was happy for him. It is a very warm group.”
He also praised the club’s staff and supporters for helping him settle quickly.
“The coaches are also very approachable. Moreover, Jordi Cruijff is a very modest and down-to-earth person. The supporters are amazing. I feel right at home here immediately. As I said: the club exudes a winning mentality and always wants to reach the top. As a footballer and as a person, you must always have that mentality. That is wonderful.”
Arokodare has received another boost ahead of the new campaign after UEFA cleared him to play in European competition. That means he is available for Ajax’s UEFA Conference League third-round qualifying tie against Irish club Shelbourne as he looks to build on an eye-catching start to life in Amsterdam.
