Red Star Belgrade attacker Abiola Dauda has chosen to break his long - held silence on the reason he arrived late for the start of pre - season training.

The Serbia vice - champions are campaigning for honors in the Europa League , and had to start pre - season training early but their Nigerian striker was in Scandinavia , about 1,500 miles away.

''I took permission from the club and they knew I was not coming to camp early as I was processing my Swedish passport. I told them that before the season finished,'' Abiola Dauda told allnigeriasoccer.com.

Even though the ex Kalmar star just signed a contract with Red Star Belgrade in the winter transfer market, there is talk that he is unsettled in Serbia and could depart the side before the close of the transfer window.

But the 25 - year - old, who is represented by respected Swedish agent Patrick Mork, has pledged his loyalty to the Red - Whites.

'' I have a contract with Red Star until 2015 and I have to respect that agreement.

'' I don't know of any clubs interested in signing me. My focus is winning the league with Red Star and doing well in the Europa League.

'' Everything is great here at the club. I have an excellent relationship with my teammates and the officials, '' he stressed.

In the 2012 - 2013 campaign, Abiola Dauda netted 4 goals in his last 8 games in the Serbian Super Liga.