Genk striker Tolu Arokodare has reflected on the early struggles he faced after joining the Belgian club, admitting that plenty of people doubted him during his initial period there.
The Nigerian forward arrived from Latvian side Valmiera back in 2023, and has since gone on to establish himself as a key attacking figure for the Smurfs, scoring 12 goals in 40 league appearances during his time so far.
Softfootball gathers that Arokodare opened up on the mental challenge of proving himself in a new environment. He said:
People doubted me in the beginning, and that was hard, because I work very hard every day.
Now I feel that my work is rewarded, and that gives me a fantastic feeling.
The striker credited his growing confidence and consistency for turning his form around, having now scored 10 goals and registered four assists in 17 appearances this season. He added:
I did score at the start of the season, but it was more difficult. It was important to keep believing in ourselves.
Step by step we have become stronger as a team, and the same goes for me.
