Atalanta head coach Raffaele Palladino has revealed that Nigeria international, Ademola Lookman personally requested to leave the club, paving the way for his move to Atletico Madrid.
Lookman finalized a permanent transfer to Diego Simeone’s LaLiga side on the final day of the winter transfer window, with Atalanta receiving a €40 million transfer fee for the 28-year-old.
“Lookman received this offer toward the end of the transfer window. He asked to leave and wanted a change of scenery, so the club honored his request,” Palladino told Sport Mediaset.
The coach added that the timing of the transfer left little opportunity for farewells. “We were heading to an away match when he left, so there wasn’t much time to say goodbye. But we wish him all the best for the future,” he said.
Palladino also praised his remaining squad, emphasizing depth and quality as the team prepares to compete across three tournaments.
During his spell at the Diego Maradona Stadium, Lookman scored 55 goals and provided 27 assists in 137 appearances across all competitions, leaving a lasting impression on the Bergamo club and its fans.
