ADEMOLA Lookman has confirmed that he has formally demanded to leave Atalanta as the club continue to block his move to Serie A rivals Inter Milan.
The Super Eagles forward is the main transfer target of Inter Milan, whose offer of €45 million was turned down by Atalanta last week.
Lookman is keen on a switch to last season’s Serie A and UEFA Champions League runners-up, but Atalanta are believed to be holding out for at least €50m.
The African Player of the Year, 27, issued a statement today, announcing his transfer request and suggesting that Atalanta are not living up to their promise of letting him go for a fair offer.
“Over the past three years at Atalanta, I’ve given absolutely everything. Not just as a footballer, but as a person,” Lookman wrote on social media.
“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.
“Atalanta, and especially its supporters, have become a part of me. This place has felt like home from the moment I arrived, and I’ve always tried to repay that love – even in moments where things haven’t been easy behind the scenes.”
Lookman, who scored a historic hat-trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final as Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen, declared that he was done with the Bergamo-based club.
“That’s what makes writing this is 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,” he added.
“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 feel that enough is enough. I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request.
“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, the fans and the team first and hoped it would not get to this, but I unfortunately feel there is now little choice.
“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.
“With love and gratitude,
Ademola.”
Lookman joined Atalanta from RB Leipzieg for around €11m in August 2022, and the Nigeria international has registered 52 goals and 25 assists in 118 appearances for the Italian club.