Breathola Lookman confirmed on Sunday in a social media post that he asked for a transfer from Atalanta. After three intense years with La Dea, the winger admitted that there have been 'broken promises' and said he is ready for a new adventure.
The Nigerian International, who scored 52 goals in 117 performances for the Bergamo Club, has submitted a formal transfer request to Atalanta, in which the reasons behind his choice were explained.
“I hope to work with the club to find a friendly solution for all parties as soon as possible,” said Lookman.
“In the past three years at Atalanta I have given absolutely everything. Not only as a football player, but as a person. I have always proudly worn the shirt and tried to represent this club and the city of Bergamo with heart, passion and dedication.
“I came here with the hope to help this special club grow and together we created memories that will remember me forever. Winning the Europa League and shoulder to shoulder with my teammates who celebrated with our fans was one of the proud moments of my career so far.
“Atalanta, and especially the supporters, have become a part of me. This place has felt like home from the moment I arrived, and I have always tried to pay back that love – even in times when things behind the scenes have not been easy,” Lookman continued.
“That is what makes writing this so hard. I kept every moment, but feel that after three wonderful years in Bergamo it is the right time to continue and experience a new adventure.
“I and the ownership of the club, however, agree that it is now the right time and the club was clear that if there was an honest offer, they would allow me to move. Despite the fact that they now receive an offer in coordination with what I think the club is blocking the possibility that I don't understand.
“As a result and after many months of broken promises and what I think a bad treatment against me has been if both a person and as a professional football player, I unfortunately have the feeling that I have no choice but to express for what I think is good and the feeling is enough.
“I can confirm that I have now submitted a formal transfer request. Even during the extremely difficult moments that I have passed, many of which have remained private and confidential, I always tried to put the club, the fans and the team first and hoped that it would not come here, but unfortunately I have the feeling that there is little choice now.
“To the fans – the heartbeat of this club – I want to say this: I am really sorry that it came here. I hope you can understand this incredibly difficult situation. It is just to get on what I think is honest and correct. The support you have always given is incredible and the bond we have made together is special.”
La dea -fans send a message
In the meantime, in Zingonia, outside the training center of Atalanta, a banner with very hard words, posted, even before the official Lookman request: “Enough is enough! The fans and doors you appreciated.”
The Atalanta Fans' Bannerdiretta News
A clear message, which reflects the growing dissatisfaction among the Atalanta fans, already frustrated by last summer's saga with Koopmeiners. This time in the center of the controversy, LOOKMAN, with Inter is interested in the player, but La Dea was detained with their € 50 million requirement.