It’s fair to say, and perhaps a major understatement, that Tolu Arakodare and Wolves do not see eye to eye. We’ll call it a fractured relationship to keep things diplomatic. However, he’s in full charm move in the Netherlands.
So a move to Ajax this summer was in everyone’s favour. The loan deal allowed the 25-year-old to get away, Wolves to move on and everyone to pretend their sorry relationship never happened.
The striker has been impressing in the Netherlands since his arrival, with two goals and an assist in five games in the Eredivisie and three goals and an assist in three games in Conference League qualifying as well.
He’s very much back on track after his Wolves misery – where he managed six goals and two assists in 38 – and everyone is very much happy. Including the striker himself.
Nicest man in Amsterdam
Indeed, he is very much in ‘nicest man in the world’ mode at his new club.
Algemeen Dagblad report that last weekend saw him surprising an elderly couple who have long served as stewards at KRC Genk. He knows them from his own time at the club.
It’s the latest in a series of efforts from the striker to win people over. After fans lined up an autograph, he ‘didn’t disappoint anyone’.
Instead he treated young fans to various photos and poses, then took take with an elderly lady later on during the pitch inspection.
Mixed zone magic moment
But the best and most touching photo opportunity came in the mixed zone when he met François Cipido and Marie Jeanne Buvens.
They had travelled as part of their diamond wedding anniversary celebrations and the striker knows them from his time at Genk, where they are referred to as “dad” and “mom”. The Wolves man was made aware and planned a special treat.
He had an Ajax shirt with the number 60 and Happy Anniversary printed up, before taking his time to take photos. When asked why, he referred to the couple as “My Belgian grandparents”.
He had been in on the whole plan from minute one, with stewards at both club knowing he’s someone who ‘loves making people happy’ and that he would contribute.
His attitude is only helping to build the idea that Ajax have a new fan favourite. And he’s impressing on the pitch too, with former midfielder Marciano Vink one of those watching closely.
“I didn’t expect him to make such an immediate impact,” he said.
“Only the heading could be a bit better, but that move reveals a lot. He can really play football well for such a strong, big player.”
