Ademola Lookman has publicly demanded a transfer from Atalanta, accusing La Dea of “not keeping their promise” to sell him to Inter Milan.
The 27-year-old took to Instagram with a blunt message to his current employers. He argued that they are subjecting him to “poor treatment as a human being and a footballer.”
Inter Milan have been trying to sign Ademola Lookman from Atalanta since mid-July.
The Nerazzurri have long had an agreement on personal terms with the Nigerian international.
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With that agreement in hand, Inter reportedly approached Atalanta with an opening bid of €40 million. La Dea rejected this.
Then, this past week, Inter raised their offer to €45 million including add-ons. And once again, Atalanta rejected this bid.
Lookman himself feels that Atalanta have already promised to sell him this summer. This after they had kept hold of him twelve months, despite Paris Saint-Germain’s efforts to sign him.
Now, Lookman has made his feelings abundantly clear.
Ademola Lookman Demands To Leave Atalanta: “I’ve Given Everything, They’re Not Keeping Their Promise”
Lookman writes: “Over the past three years at Atalanta, I’ve given absolutely everything.”
“Not just as a footballer, but as a person. 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.”
“That’s what makes writing this 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.”
“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 I feel that enough is enough.”
Lookman: “I’ve Handed In A Formal Transfer Request”
Lookman’s statement continues: “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.”
“I hope to work together with the club to find an amicable solution for all parties as soon as possible.”
“With love and gratitude, Ademola.”
This is the reason why Inter wont raise their offer. they know the player wants them and like barella deal they stand their ground. Marotta seems sure that Lookman only wants Inter otherwise he should have learned from Bremer’s case that stalling the move for a few millions may result in a bad taste in the mouth
I think Atalanta promised he could go to a club, but not a competitor, he wants to go to a competitor but I’m sure Atalanta would let him go to a lower Serie A club or to a club outside of Italy. Inter should try the 50 mill – Atalanta said that they would sell him for 40 for clubs outside of Italy, and was reported they wanted 50 from Inter. If 50 is no good, you tried your best and can walk away and go for defense and defensive mids. Maybe buy a younger winger that fits the profile of this oaktree Inter.
Atalanta had no problem selling koopminers to a competitor, dont make up scenarios to fit your narrative. Atalanta has never had a problem selling to competitors. They just being difficult with him and breaking their word.
Yea but they dragged out the Koopminers transfer, probably hoping someone else would come and offer more. They may be willing to sell to competitor but it is obvious they would rather sell to someone else, therein lies the problem. 50 seemed to have been the magic number all along and hasn’t been offered yet.
Exactly. Especially for Lookman he was promised that he would leave and accepted to stay another year. Do you think that promise came with “as long as you choose to play for a lower team or a club abroad”. Any player can choose to play with any team they want and if they made up their mind logically they can’t do anything about it which doesn’t make them look like bad guys. To hold on to the 50 million when a club offer something very reasonable means they’re just doing it to make the player suffer and nothing to do with direct competitor Atalanta never publicly said they won’t sell him to Inter.
Competitor? Atalanta would never be a rival for INTER. Atalanta probably will never win a scudetto until Lookman retired. That nonsense does want to the competitor is nonsense.
All of those who crucified Henrique during the World Cup for Clubs, he silenced your useless brain by scoring a goal against inter U23. Sucic and Bonny played well.
Inter: 7 InterU23: 2
that match is out from the equation, Inter U23 is Serie C cLub.
This means nothing, competing against u23 but the club world cup means nothing also. If we want to get a younger team we will need to give them time. Judging him as a flop from 2 matches in the club world cup is criminal.
good news
Come on Moratta, please do it now.
We should have kept it at 40mil nothing more. We are done being fucked around. If Atalanta doesn’t want to sell, we can look for other younger alternatives. Them want 50mil for some whos tuning 28 this year is crazy.
we absolutely CANNOT fumble this deal!!!
the man pledged his loyalty to us and we can’t add 5 more mil?
please God let us see him in an inter kit
we are poor, we cant give 50mln for someone who will be gone for 2 months, in the heart of the season – January and February
He didn’t pledge anything. He’s turning 28 this year and you want to pay 50 for him ???
yes absolutely yes
this isn’t 2009 mercato in our current time he is worth 60 mil