“They violated their promise, I was treated with injustice”

With the conclusion of the previous season, Ademola Lookman sent to the leadership of Atalanta that he wants to leave the club in the current mercato period. Despite the fact that the footballer expires the contract in 2027, the officials of the Bergamo band assured him that they would let him know if they would receive a considerable amount.

But things didn't stay that way. In recent weeks, Atalanta has received some attractive offers for the most important team striker, in the foreground being the 42 million euros plus another 3 million bonuses from Inter, but the club officials on Gewiss Stadium did not respond to any of them.

Ademola LOOKMAN sent an official message to ask the heads of Atalanta to let him go

Seeing that those in the management did not maintain their promise, the Nigerian footballer decided to act in the online environment, where he posted a message asked the chiefs of the Bergamo club to leave, also mentioning the backstage discussions they had together and which they did not respect.

Also, the lookman wanted to thank all the fans, looking extremely grateful for the treatment he has benefited in the three years spent at Atalanta.

In the last three years at Atalanta I gave everything. Both as a player and as a person. I have always wore this shirt with pride, trying to represent the club and the city of Bergamo with heart, passion and dedication.

I came with the hope of contributing to the growth of this special club and, together, we have created memories that I will wear with me forever. Winning the Europa League and the celebration of that evening in Dublin, along with my teammates and our fans, was one of the most beautiful and proud moments in my career. I am still passing the streams only when I think about it.

Atalanta, and especially his fans, have become a part of me. From the first day, this place was my house and I always tried to respond to the affection I received – even when, behind the scenes, things were not easy.

And that's why it is so difficult to write these words. I loved every moment, but now, after three wonderful years spent in Bergamo, I feel that time has come to go further and live a new adventure. In the past, several clubs have shown their interest, but I have always been loyal. However, the owners of the club and I agreed that it is the right time for a change and it was clear to me that, in the case of a correct offer, I will be allowed to leave.

Unfortunately, although an offer has arrived in accordance with what has been discussed, the club now blocks the opportunity, for reasons that I cannot understand.

After months of violated promises and, in my opinion, an unfair treatment both as a person and as a professional, I feel obliged to speak. I think it's time to say it's enough. I can confirm that I have submitted an official transfer request.

Even in the most difficult times, many of which have remained private and confidential, I have always put the club, the fans and the team in the first place, hoping that it will not be reached. But unfortunately, now I think there are few alternatives.

Fans – the heart of this club – I want to tell them the following: I'm very sorry to get here. I hope you can understand how difficult this situation is. For me it is just about defending what I think is fair and fair. Your support has always been incredible and the connection I built is something special.

I want to find an amicable solution together with the club so that it is good for both sides.

With love and gratitude, Ademola.

– ADEMOLA LOOKMAN, in a message posted on social networks

The message posted by Ademola Lookman on his “X” page

Ademola Lookman became the player of Atalanta in the summer of 2022, being transferred by the Italian club from RB Leipzig in exchange for 11 million euros.

Since then, the Nigerian striker has checked 118 appearances in all competitions for the Bergamo club, during which time he managed to score 52 goals and offer 25 decisive passes.

He noticed the most in season 2023/2024, when Atalanta won the first European trophy in history, the UEFA Europa League, after a final in which he defeated Bayer Leverkusen, a lookman scoring all three goals.

60 million eurosis Ademola Lookman's market share, according to Transfermarkt