Ademola Lookman's Love Letter to Atalanta

BERGAMO, SUNDAY – Ademola Lookman, who has remained silent and allowed his transfer process from Atalanta to proceed as it should, has finally spoken out. The winger feels that Atalanta is obstructing his move to another club by rejecting offers that are already reasonable. The Nigerian player also believes that Atalanta has broken its promise. However, on the other hand, Atalanta is only willing to release Lookman to a club outside of the Italian Serie A.

Lookman is the primary target for Inter Milan to meet the demands of Coach Cristian Chivu. Lookman's speed, sharpness, and dribbling ability are expected to enhance the dynamics of the game that Chivu envisions, which is aggressive, vertical, and balanced.

Inter has made several offers starting from 40 million euros, and most recently 42 million euros plus a bonus of three million euros. Inter is also reported to have reached a personal agreement with Lookman regarding a salary of 4.5 million euros until 2030.

However, all of Inter's offers were rejected by Atalanta, who were adamant about their €50 million demand. Italian media outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport revealed the reason for Atalanta's rejection. The Bergamo club would only release Lookman to a club outside of Serie A. Any Italian club interested in acquiring Lookman would have to pay a transfer fee of no less than €50 million (approximately £948.2 billion).

In addition to that reason, Atalanta has also released striker Mateo Retegui to the Saudi Arabian club, Al-Qadsiah, with a transfer fee believed to reach 67 million euros (approximately IDR 1.2 trillion). Atalanta does not want to lose the forward who strengthened the team last season.

This situation has led Inter to shift their focus to other players as the transfer fee demanded by Atalanta is considered too high. Ademola then took the step of expressing his desire to leave and experience a new adventure in a heartfelt letter to Atalanta through a post on his Instagram account, Sunday (3/8/2025).

"Over the past three years at Atalanta, I have given everything. Not just as a footballer, but as a person. I have always worn the shirt with pride and tried to represent this team and the city of Bergamo with heart, passion, and dedication," Lookman began his letter.

The Nigerian then recalled the 2024 Europa League final in Dublin, where he scored three goals against Bayer Leverkusen. Lookman's hat trick marked a new milestone for Atalanta on the European stage.

"I came here with the hope of helping this special club grow together. We have 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, is one of the proudest moments of my career so far. Just thinking about it still gives me chills," Lookman reminisced.

“Atalanta and especially its supporters have become a part of me. This place has felt like home since the first time I arrived, and I have always tried to repay that love—even in moments when the situation behind the scenes is not easy,” Lookman stated.

"That is what makes it difficult to write this. I love every moment but feel that now, after three amazing years in Bergamo, it is the right time to step away and experience a new adventure. There are several clubs that approached Atalanta before, and I have always been loyal," said the 27-year-old player.

The player commonly known as Mola then revealed his desire to leave Atalanta, but he encountered obstacles from the club. In fact, he believes that Atalanta has treated him poorly and has reneged on promises.

"Nevertheless, the club owner and I have agreed that now is the right time, and the club has explained to me that if a suitable offer comes, they will allow me to leave," Lookman stated.

"Although I am now receiving an offer that aligns with what I believe has been discussed, unfortunately, the club is obstructing that opportunity for reasons I do not understand," asserted Lookman.

"As a result, and after months of broken promises and what I perceive as mistreatment towards me, both as a human being and as a professional football player, I sadly feel I have no choice but to speak about what I believe is right, and I feel that is enough," Lookman expressed, who usually keeps the dynamics behind the scenes tightly guarded.

“I can confirm that I have now submitted a formal transfer request,” said Lookman.

Lookman believes that this is a difficult choice, but he does not have many options to express what he feels. However, he still respects the club, the team, and the fans, and hopes that a solution acceptable to all parties can be reached soon.

"Even during the very difficult moments I have experienced, many of which remain personal and confidential, I have always tried to place the club, the supporters, and the team in the primary position and hoped it would not come to this, but unfortunately, I feel that the options are now limited," Lookman stated.

"To the fans—the heartbeat of this club—I want to say this: I'm truly sorry this has come to this. I hope you can understand this is an incredibly difficult situation. This is simply about standing up for what I believe is fair and right. The support you've always given me has been incredible, and the bond we've created together is something special," Lookman said.

"I hope to work together with the club to find a peaceful solution for all parties as soon as possible," said the agile left winger.