Ajax standout Tolu takes on Sam van Royen in interview; Van der Vaart cracks up

Tolu Arokodare did more than entertain on the pitch for Ajax on Thursday night. After the 5-3 win over FC Sion, which sent the Amsterdam side into the main phase of the Conference League, the striker also made himself heard in his interview with Ziggo Sport reporter Sam van Royen.

Coach Míchel Sánchez handed Tolu his first start against Sion and the Nigerian repaid that faith with two goals. The interview with Van Royen then got off to an awkward start. Asked why he was in the starting XI, Tolu initially replied drily: "The reason was that the coach decided I would start." When Van Royen pressed him on the reason behind that, Tolu answered: "I don’t know. He decides."

The striker suspected it was simply his turn in the rotation. "I think it was my turn. You have seen that there is a kind of rotation with Kasper and Leo, so maybe this weekend or next weekend it will be Kasper or Leonardo again. The coach decides," said Tolu.

He said he was pleased with his own contribution, but above all stressed the importance of the team. "I try to help the team and make an impact in every way I can, whether I play or not, whether I start or not. In the end, it’s simple: if the team win, we all win. That is what matters."

With a wink, the forward called his first goal "pure quality", though he admitted there was a bit of luck in it too. On his second, he focused on Ajax’s combination play: "That shows the quality we have as a team and the beauty of Ajax football. I’m happy that we were able to finish it off with a goal."

Then came a striking moment at the end of the conversation when Van Royen asked about Tolu’s recovery programme. The striker had only just started his answer when the reporter cut in again, and Tolu responded politely but clearly: "Can I finish?" Van Royen immediately apologised. "Sorry, sorry."

Tolu then calmly continued and ran through everything Ajax do for recovery: "Fitness, ice bath, jacuzzi, massage and some cycling." According to the striker, the fitness coaches are strict over the players’ recovery, especially because Ajax are back in action on Sunday.

Rafael van der Vaart visibly enjoyed Tolu’s display in front of the camera. "It’s just a lovely, lovely interview. Just: ‘Yes, can I just have a moment? I’m not finished yet.’ You lot always talk over people as well. It is nice that someone says that for once," said the analyst, who signed off with the words: "Nice interview."