Lookman: I gave virtually all to Atlanta but the club is blocking my opportunities

Nigerian international and Atalanta winger, Ademola Lookman, has formally handed in a transfer request, confirming weeks of speculation surrounding his future at the Serie A club. In an emotional and strongly-worded statement, Lookman said he hopes to work with the club to find “an amicable solution for all parties as soon as possible”. He revealed […]

Nigerian international and Atalanta winger, Ademola Lookman, has formally handed in a transfer request, confirming weeks of speculation surrounding his future at the Serie A club.

In an emotional and strongly-worded statement, Lookman said he hopes to work with the club to find “an amicable solution for all parties as soon as possible”.

He revealed he has endured months of behind-the-scenes frustrations.

Already the post had garnered 4,984 reposts, 21,200 likes, 1,036 bookmarks with 1,138 quotes as at press time.

According to him, “I have given absolutely everything over the past three years at Atalanta. Not just as a footballer but as a person. I’ve always worn the shirt with pride and tried to represent this club and the city of Bergamo with heart, passion and dedication”, the Europa League hero said.

Lookman described his stay in Bergamo as a beautiful journey filled with unforgettable memories, most notably Atalanta’s historic UEFA Europa League triumph in Dublin earlier this year, where he scored a famous hat-trick in the final.

“Winning the Europa League and celebrating with our fans that night was one of the proudest moments of my career,” he stated, adding that “It still gives me goosebumps thinking about it.”

He thanked the supporters of Atalanta for embracing him, calling them “the heartbeat of this club,” and said Bergamo had felt like home from the day he arrived.

But the 27-year-old winger said he felt forced to go public after enduring what he termed “broken promises” and “poor treatment” from the club management despite agreeing with them in principle on a possible departure if a fair offer came in.

“Numerous clubs have approached Atalanta in the past and I have always stayed loyal. However, myself and the ownership of the club were in agreement that now is the right time to move on,” he stated.

“Sadly”, according to Lookman, “despite receiving what I believe to be a fair offer in line with our discussions, the club is blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand.”

Lookman said the situation had become so difficult that he had no choice but to formally request a transfer, expressing disappointment that private struggles had now become public.

“I have always put the club, the fans and the team first. But I feel there is now little choice. Enough is enough,” he declared.

To the fans, the dreadlocks wearing player said he was “truly sorry it has come to this.

“I hope you can understand this incredibly difficult situation. It’s simply about standing up for what I believe is fair and right”, he submitted.

Lookman joined Atalanta in August 2022 and has since become one of the club’s standout players, earning global acclaim for his exploits in both Serie A and European competitions.

His performances have drawn interest from top European clubs including Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid.

Despite Atalanta’s firm stance demanding at least €50 million before considering a sale, Lookman’s decision to go public signals a potential turning point in what could become one of the most dramatic transfer stories of the summer.

As the transfer window progresses, the coming days will determine how the situation will play out.

It however, remains to be seen, whether the club will soften its position or if the situation escalates further.