ATALANTA head coach Raffaele Palladino has revealed that the club wanted to keep Ademola Lookman in Italy but the Nigeria international was keen on leaving.
Super Eagles forward Lookman, 28, completed a €40m switch to Atletico Madrid on Monday, signing a long-term deal with the Spanish club.
Lookman will cost Atletico €35m in fixed transfer fee and €5m in add-ons.
Ahead of Atalanta’s Copa Italia quarter-final clash with Juventus tonight, Palladino spoke about Lookman’s departure and the arrival of Giacomo Raspadori.
“Lookman had this offer towards the end of the transfer session, he asked to leave and wanted a change of scenery, so the club made him happy,” he explained.
“I am very pleased with the team at my disposal, it is what we needed to face three tournaments.
“We were going 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.
“I am fortunate to have a strong and competitive squad, with many players of quality and technique, so I am spoilt for choice on who to start.
“Jack did not play the most recent match, but that was unusual anyway as we were down to 10 men. We’ll see who I choose after the final training session.”
Lookman registered 55 goals (including a 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.
