SUPER Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has praised Atalanta fans for the support they gave him while he was at the Italian club.
The Nigeria international completed his €40m move from Atalanta to Atletico Madrid on Monday night, signing until June 2030 with the Spanish club.
During his time in Italy, Lookman had a few run-ins with the hierarchy, but Atalanta fans were always behind him.
“To the Atalanta family, after nearly four years, the time has come for me to say goodbye. From the moment I arrived in Bergamo, you welcomed me like one of your own and pushed me to be the best version of myself,” the 28-year-old wrote in a statement.
“Together we made history. European champions, a night none of us will ever forget. Scoring a hat-trick in a European final and lifting a trophy with this club after a 61 year trophy drought will stay with me.
“Winning the African Player of the Year award in 2024 as an Atalanta player will forever stay with me. Those moments, those emotions, those nights under the lights, they’re engraved in my heart.
“Thank you to my teammates, the staff, the club. To the fans, your passion, your belief, your energy meant everything. From day one, you stood by me and by this team through every moment. Your passion, your voices, your belief never faded and together we achieved.
“Every cheer, every banner, every away trip meant something. Thank you for making Bergamo feel like home and for giving me memories I’ll carry forever.
“Grazie di tutto, ciao.”
Lookman registered 55 goals (including that historic hat-trick in the 2023-2024 UEFA Europa League final) and 27 assists in 137 appearances in all competitions for Atalanta, whom he joined from RB Leipzig for €11m in August 2022.
