Tolu Arokodare has responded emphatically to the criticism levelled at him by former Ajax and Genk striker Wesley Sonck following a difficult start to the season, Soccernet.ng reports.
Arokodare, who endured a tough outing during Genk’s goalless draw against Standard Liège on July 28, found himself on the receiving end of some harsh words from Sonck.
The ex-Belgian international, who enjoyed a prolific spell at Genk in the early 2000s, was particularly critical of Arokodare’s on-pitch demeanour. Sonck singled out the way the Nigerian warmed up with his sleeves rolled up, accusing him of focusing more on showing off his physique than performing on the field.
“To show how muscular his arms are, but he won zero duels in the first half,” Sonck said at the time.
Sonck's remarks did not go unnoticed by the 23-year-old striker, who has since rediscovered his Midas touch in front of goal.
Arokodare has scored four goals in his last three league appearances for Genk, including a brace in their thrilling 4-3 win over Beerschot.
The former Amiens star's response on the pitch has been nothing short of impressive, but he also had words for his critics off the pitch.
In an interview with Het Belang van Limburg via Redactie24, Arokodare dismissed Sonck’s criticism, explaining that his preference for short sleeves is not about vanity but comfort.
“The criticism gives me extra energy in a certain way. I took it so hard because the man who said it was apparently a professional footballer himself,” Arokodare stated.
“I just can’t stand sleeves. In the summer I always walk around in sleeveless shirts, at my previous club Amiens I even cut the sleeves out of our training shirts.”
As Arokodare continues to prove his worth, he will be eager to extend his scoring streak when Genk face Westerlo on August 30.
But first, Genk will take on Dutch side Fortuna Sittard in a friendly on August 23, giving Arokodare another opportunity to showcase his talent.
