Ademola Lookman Reflects on His Emotional Departure from Atalanta

Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles striker now with Atlético de Madrid, has expressed his heartfelt farewell to Atalanta, marking the end of a pivotal chapter in his career following a transfer that took place in January.

Lookman joined Atalanta in 2022 with the ambition to turn around a struggling career that saw him bounce between teams like RB Leipzig, Everton, Leicester City, and Fulham, where he faced inconsistencies. At just 24 years old, he was a promising talent eager for the right opportunity, and Atalanta, under the leadership of Gian Piero Gasperini, provided just that chance.

His decision to transfer proved fruitful, as he flourished into one of the most feared attackers in Serie A after being signed for €16.1 million. He evolved into a crucial player for Atalanta, blending speed, tactical intelligence, and an impressive striking ability. Over the course of 119 games, he netted 52 goals and provided 22 assists, cementing his status as one of the club's modern legends.

Beyond his statistics, Lookman made European history by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a UEFA club competition final, a standout performance that secured Atalanta's first major trophy after 61 years without silverware.

Despite his successes, the summer before his departure was marred by complications when Atalanta blocked a transfer to AC Milan, creating tension that affected his morale and performance as doubts loomed over his future.

Lookman's pivotal moment of resurgence came during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations where he showcased his elite talents, contributing three goals and four assists, the highest at the tournament. This renewed interest from top clubs across Europe led to competition between Fenerbahçe and Atlético Madrid for his signature. Ultimately, Lookman opted for Atlético, valuing sporting ambitions over financial incentives.

The signing was confirmed at €40 million, underscoring his revitalized career. In his emotional farewell on social media, Lookman expressed gratitude towards Atalanta, saying, "To the Atalanta family, after nearly four years, the time has come for me to say goodbye. From the moment I arrived in Bergamo, you welcomed me like one of your own and pushed me to be the best version of myself. Together we made history. European champions, a night none of us will ever forget."

He reflected on the significance of winning the Africa Player of the Year award as an Atalanta player, stating, "Those moments, those emotions, those nights under the lights, they’re engraved in my heart. Thank you to my teammates, the staff, and the club. Your passion, your belief, your energy meant everything."

Lookman completed his Atalanta chapter with grace, playing for 87 minutes in the team's match following AFCON 2025 before transitioning to Atlético Madrid, where he is expected to debut against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey quarter-final. His journey from a perceived talent to a proven legacy is a testament to his hard work and resilience.