Tolu Arokodare feels at home at Ajax. The Nigerian forward has quickly become a fan favorite in Amsterdam and expresses his affection for the club.
In an interview with the Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, he praises Ajax and defends his teammate Marcos Leonardo. “The Netherlands has fallen in love with Tolu Arokodare,” Belgian media reports.
“Tolu has become a true icon in Amsterdam in record time.” The forward, who played for KRC Genk between 2023 and 2025, understands the source of this popularity. “Ask anyone who knows me what my greatest quality is, and they will tell you: I have a big heart.”
“If I can make someone smile, I will,” Arokodare adds. “Footballers don’t always realize how valuable a simple ‘hello’ can be. That’s my philosophy in life. But if some think it’s all just a show, that’s their problem. I don’t care.”
When you see what is said and written about him...
With nine goals in fourteen official matches, the Nigerian has found his rhythm on the pitch. “If I hadn’t scored those goals, people might have been less lenient with me.”
Arokodare uses his teammate Marcos Leonardo as an example. “I find it extremely frustrating. When you read what is said about him… I hope he doesn’t pay too much attention to it. Fortunately, his English and Dutch aren’t perfect. He will eventually score.”
The forward is confident about Ajax's current team. “When we are in form, we are hard to stop. I particularly think of our match against Atalanta (2-0) and, to a large extent, the one against PSV (1-3). We shouldn’t have lost those two matches. We missed our chances, and they scored at the right moments. We really have an excellent team.”
“Ajax is paradise,” he continues enthusiastically. “The training center is exceptional, the stadium is beautiful, the supporters are incredible, I love the style of play.”
Coach Michel also receives praise: “I appreciate him. I appreciate everyone here.”
