Super Eagles forward and African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, has expressed his frustrations over Atalanta’s decision not to sanction his move to Inter Milan, confirming that he has handed in a transfer request, www.aclsports.com reports.
The 27-year-old Nigerian international, a key figure in Atalanta’s Europa League success last season, is reportedly growing frustrated with the club’s unwillingness to entertain talks over his potential exit.
According to multiple reports, Inter Milan have made several attempts to secure Lookman’s signature during the current summer transfer window, with their latest offer reportedly in the region of €45 million. However, the Bergamo club turned the offer down, and Lookman has now spoken out about the treatment in a lenthy post on social media on Sunday.
“Over the past three years at Atalanta, I’ve given absolutely everything,” said in a post on X.
“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.
“I came here with the hope of helping this special club grow and together, we’ve created memories that will stay with me forever. Winning the Europa League and standing shoulder to shoulder with my teammates that night in Dublin, celebrating with our fans was one of the proudest moments of my career so far. It still gives me goosebumps thinking about it.
“That’s what makes writing this so hard. I have loved every moment but feel that now, after three wonderful years in Bergamo, it is the right time to move on and experience a new adventure. There have been numerous clubs approach Atalanta in the past and I have previously always stayed loyal. However, myself and the ownership of the club have been in agreement that now is the right time and 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 I believe had been discussed sadly the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand.
“As a result and after many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer, sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right and I feel that enough is enough. I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request.
Despite the state of things, Lookman went ahead to praise the fans, and hopes the two clubs can reach an agreement in order to make the move happen.
“To the fans – the heartbeat of this club – I want to say this: I’m truly sorry it’s 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. The support you have always given me has been incredible and the bond we have created together is special.”
“I hope to work together with the club to find an amicable solution for all parties as soon as possible,” the post concluded.
Lookman, who made the switch from RB Leipzig to Atalanta in the summer of 2022, delivered his best season to date last term, netting 18 goals and contributing 9 assists in all competitions
