Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare has affirmed that AFC Ajax is the biggest club in the Netherlands during an interview with ESPN Netherlands. The 25-year-old, who joined Ajax on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, emphasized that the Amsterdam club belongs in the UEFA Champions League. 'Ajax is of course the biggest club in the Eredivisie,' Arokodare said, though he has yet to start a game for the club. The player, who made an impressive impact in Belgium, aims for a return of Ajax to European top-tier competition after its current participation in the Conference League.
Arokodare wants Ajax back in Champions League
Arokodare stressed that Ajax's recent struggles do not diminish its status as the Netherlands' premier football institution. 'With all due respect to the Conference League, but that's not where Ajax as a team wants to be,' he said. The striker emphasized that Ajax's primary objective this season is to return to the Champions League. 'We want to play in the Champions League,' Arokodare said, having already provided an assist on his Eredivisie debut.
Conference League first, Champions League next
Although Ajax's long-term target is Champions League qualification, Arokodare highlighted that the squad remains focused on the immediate challenge of overcoming Swiss side FC Sion in the Conference League play-offs. 'The most important goal this season is obviously to win matches, win the title, and return to the right position,' Arokodare said. The former KRC Genk striker concluded, 'Our job is to qualify and keep moving towards the position Ajax deserves.'
