Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has penned an emotional farewell message to Atalanta following the completion of his transfer to Spanish giants Atlético Madrid, ending a memorable near four-year spell with the Serie A club.
The Nigeria international confirmed his departure in a heartfelt message shared on his official X handle, where he reflected on defining moments of his time in Bergamo and expressed gratitude to the fans, teammates and club officials who shaped his journey.
“After nearly four years, the time has come for me to say goodbye,” Lookman wrote. “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.”
Lookman leaves Atalanta as one of the most iconic figures in the club’s recent history. The versatile right-footed winger completed his move after Atalanta and Atlético Madrid reached an agreement, signing a contract that runs until June 30, 2030.
According to media reports, Atlético Madrid are expected to pay around €40 million ($47.5 million) for the 28-year-old. He scored three goals in 19 appearances across all competitions for Atalanta this season.
Born in London, Lookman began his professional career at Charlton Athletic before moving to Everton. He later joined RB Leipzig permanently in 2019 after an initial loan spell, and also had loan stints at Fulham and Leicester City, before sealing a move to Atalanta in 2022.
His crowning moment came during the 2023/24 season when he produced a historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, leading Atalanta to a famous victory over Bayer Leverkusen. The triumph delivered the club’s first-ever European title and ended a 61-year wait for a major trophy, firmly etching Lookman’s name into Atalanta folklore.
Reflecting on that achievement, Lookman described the Europa League triumph as unforgettable, adding that the memories from that night would remain with him forever. He also highlighted winning the 2024 African Player of the Year award while still an Atalanta player, calling it an honour he would always cherish.
“Those moments, those emotions, those nights under the lights, they’re engraved in my heart,” he said.
The forward went on to thank his teammates, coaching staff and club officials for their support, while reserving special praise for the Atalanta supporters, whose passion and unwavering belief, he noted, played a crucial role in the club’s success.
“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,” Lookman wrote, signing off with the words, “Grazie di tutto, ciao.”
At Atlético Madrid, Lookman joins a squad seeking attacking reinforcements following the departures of Giacomo Raspadori to Atalanta and Conor Gallagher to Tottenham earlier in the winter transfer window. Head coach Diego Simeone has been eager to strengthen his attacking options, especially with striker Julián Álvarez currently enduring a goal drought, having failed to score in his last 11 La Liga appearances.
Lookman officially completed his move to Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, marking a new chapter in his career as he prepares to test his experience, flair and big-game pedigree in La Liga under Simeone, after a spell in Italy that ranks among the most successful in Atalanta’s history.
