Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has launched a blistering critique of Atalanta’s management, accusing the Serie A club of reneging on transfer promises and treating him with “poor treatment as both a human being and professional footballer.”
In a viral statement on X (formerly Twitter) that garnered millions of engagements within hours on Sunday, Lookman said he had ‘given everything’ to the club but was subjected to unfair treatment.
“Over the past three years at Atalanta, I’ve given absolutely everything,” Lookman wrote in his 500-word farewell note. “Not just as a footballer, but as a person.”
The 26-year-old winger, who joined from RB Leipzig in 2022, expressed profound affection for the club’s supporters but revealed a complete breakdown in relations with the hierarchy.
The crux of Lookman’s grievance centers on what he describes as Atalanta’s sudden U-turn regarding his transfer.
“The club were clear with me that if a fair offer came in they would allow me to move. Despite now receiving an offer in alignment to what had been discussed, sadly the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand”, he stated.
Lookman’s statement took particular aim at Atalanta’s ownership, referencing “many months of broken promises” and suggesting the club had failed to honor private agreements.
His revelation that he’s submitted a formal transfer request marks a dramatic escalation in the standoff.
The forward’s time in Bergamo has been largely successful, with his 30 goals across all competitions helping Atalanta secure European football and last season’s historic Europa League triumph. “Winning the Europa League… was one of the proudest moments of my career,” Lookman reflected, describing the Dublin final as an occasion that “still gives me goosebumps.”
However, beneath the surface of this sporting success, Lookman hinted at significant personal sacrifices. “Even throughout the extremely difficult moments I’ve endured, many of which have remained private and confidential, I have always tried to put the club first,” he revealed in what appears to reference undisclosed off-pitch challenges.
The emotional statement concluded with a direct appeal to Atalanta’s fanbase: “To the fans – the heartbeat of this club – I want to say this: I’m truly sorry it’s come to this. The support you have always given me has been incredible and the bond we have created together is special.”
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Premier League clubs including Tottenham and Newcastle have previously shown interest in Lookman, though the identity of his current suitors remains unclear.
Atalanta are yet to issue an official response to the allegations, but the public nature of Lookman’s outburst suggests relations may be irreparable.
As one of Atalanta’s standout performers in recent seasons – with 15 goals and 8 assists last campaign alone – Lookman’s potential departure would represent a significant blow to Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad.
Yet the acrimonious nature of this exit threatens to overshadow what should have been celebrated as a mutually beneficial partnership. With preseason preparations underway, this developing saga promises to dominate Italian football’s summer transfer discourse.
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