Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare forced the cancellation of a training session on Monday after he refused to leave the pitch, demanding the club let him join Fiorentina.
The 25-year-old Nigeria international sat down on the grass and insisted on a move to the Serie A side, according to BBC Sport. Wolves have rejected a bid from Fiorentina, having already accepted an offer from Turkish club Trabzonspor.
“Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare forced training cancellation after refusing to leave pitch, demanding Fiorentina move.”
New head coach Cesar Peixoto terminated the session early, marking an early test of his authority just weeks into his reign. Arokodare was then left out of Wednesday's friendly at Maidenhead United as the club continues pre-season preparations.
On Wednesday evening, the striker took to social media to defend his conduct. "Throughout my career, I have always taken great pride in conducting myself professionally and maintaining the highest training standards," he wrote. "My commitment has always been to prepare myself as well as possible so that I can contribute to my team-mates and the club whenever I am called upon."
He added: "I remain under contract with Wolves, and my only intention is to fulfil my responsibilities professionally by training, doing my job, and contributing to the team in accordance with that contract."
The incident is the latest flashpoint in Arokodare's turbulent time at Molineux. He was disciplined in April after a confrontation with young forward Mateus Mane. Signed for £24m from Genk last summer, the striker scored just three league goals last season as Wolves finished bottom of the Premier League and were relegated.
Peixoto replaced Rob Edwards last month in a surprise move from Gil Vicente. The 46-year-old, capped once by Portugal, is tasked with returning Wolves to the top flight at the first attempt — and now faces a delicate situation with his wantaway striker.
