Super Eagles striker, Ademola Lookman, has officially closed his chapter with Atalanta, delivering a heartfelt farewell message to the club and its supporters after sealing his transfer to Atletico Madrid.
The Nigerian forward, who spent nearly four years in Bergamo, took to Instagram to express his gratitude and reflect on the unforgettable moments that defined his time with the Nerazzurri.
“To the Atalanta family, after almost four years, the time has come to say goodbye. From the moment I arrived in Bergamo, you welcomed me as one of you and pushed me to give the best of myself,” he wrote.
Lookman’s farewell immediately evoked memories of the historic night in Dublin, when Atalanta lifted the European trophy after a 61-year wait.
His hat-trick in the final secured his place in club history.
“Together we wrote history. European champions, a night that none of us will ever forget. Scoring a hat-trick in a European final and lifting a trophy with this club will remain etched in my mind,’’ he recalled.
The striker also highlighted his personal achievements, including winning the African Player of the Year award in 2024 while representing Atalanta.
“Those moments, those emotions, those nights in the spotlight are engraved in my heart,’’ he added.
Lookman extended his thanks to teammates, staff, and especially the fans whose passion and energy fueled the team’s success.
“Every celebration, every banner, every away game meant something. Thank you for making Bergamo feel at home and for giving me memories that I will carry with me forever. Thank you for everything, bye.’’
With his move to Atletico Madrid now confirmed, Lookman embarks on a new chapter in Spain, leaving behind a legacy in Bergamo that will not be forgotten.
The Super Eagles star made history with the move as he became the first English-born player to have played in the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and La Liga.
Just 21 players have done so, while only three – Christian Poulsen, Justin Kluivert and Stevan Jovetic – have featured in all of Europe’s “big five” leagues, which also includes France’s Ligue 1.
The London-born 28-year-old has played in Serie A since 2022, scoring 55 times and making 27 assists following a move from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.
He represented England at youth level, winning the U-20 World Cup in 2017, before making his debut for Nigeria in 2022.
Atletico, who are third in Spain’s top flight and trail leaders Barcelona by 10 points, announced they had agreed a deal with Atalanta on Monday before confirming that Lookman has signed until June 2030 on transfer deadline day.
He began his career at Charlton Athletic, playing his first game in 2015, before moving to Everton two years later, where he scored on his Premier League debut. Following a successful loan spell, he then moved permanently to Leipzig in July 2019.
He then had season-long loans with Fulham and Leicester City before making the switch to Italy.
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