Atalanta Fans Blast Ademola Lookman After Super Eagles Star Asked to Leave: “You Were a Nobody”
- Atalanta fans have slammed Ademola Lookman, terming the Super Eagles star as 'ungrateful' with banners and online attacks
- The Nigerian reportedly submitted a transfer request to force his move out of the club after Inter Milan’s €45 million bid was rejected
- Lookman has since deleted all Atalanta-related social media posts as he continues pushing for a move to the fellow Italian team
Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman continues to face backlash from irate Atalanta fans after submitting a transfer request to force a move away.
The reigning African Player of the Year has grown increasingly frustrated with the Serie A club after they rejected Inter Milan's latest €45 million bid for him.
Source: Getty Images
According to Football Italia, Lookman has made it clear that he wants to leave Atalanta for the Nerazzurri this summer.
He is said to believe that a move to Inter Milan would allow him to compete for more major domestic and European trophies.
However, Atalanta have been firm in their €50 million valuation, refusing to accept an offer of €42 mil plus €3 mil in bonuses.
This has prompted the Nigerian star to speak his mind, stating openly that he felt the Bergamo club had broken its promise.
Lookman deletes everything Atalanta amid transfer push
After being left out of the club’s pre-season fixtures, the Nigerian forward deleted all posts linking him to Atalanta from his social media accounts and even removed his profile picture showing him in the club’s jersey.
Days later, Lookman posted an official statement confirming he had submitted a transfer request. He became a fan favourite after 52 goals and 25 assists in 118 games, including a role in the Europa League win.
Source: Getty Images
Angry Atalanta fans blast 'ungrateful' Lookman
While Inter Milan remain keen on securing Lookman, Atalanta’s fan base has reacted angrily to the player’s actions.
In response to his transfer push, some supporters displayed a giant banner outside the club’s training ground that read:
“Enough now! Unworthy agents and ungrateful players, respect the fans and those who made you famous.”
Some fans also took to social media to criticise Lookman for attempting to force a move, reminding him that Atalanta helped elevate his career after difficult spells at RB Leipzig and Fulham.
One fan commented:
“Remember that you were nobody before you got to Bergamo.”
Another fan posted:
“To be sold immediately, we don’t want little men in Bergamo.”
Another angry fan commented:
“Stupid and avoidable communication. You signed a contract until 2027, and now they have to decide when and how to sell you, not you.”
Lookman receives support from Nigerians
The Super Eagles, Nigeria's national team, have also indicated their support for the embattled forward as he attempts to move away from the club.
UK-based Nigerian journalist, Samuel Omaenikun in a chat with Legit.ng also noted that Lookman was receiving unfair criticism from Atalanta fans.
" Lookman has been unfairly targeted by some Atalanta fans following his decision to hand in a transfer request after the club rejected three bids from Inter Milan.
"The backlash overlooks the fact that Lookman has given his all for the team since joining, and that his desire for a new challenge should not erase the value of his contributions to Atalanta’s success.”
Despite the backlash, Inter Milan are expected to return with an improved offer as they push to finalise the deal before the latest transfer window closes.
Atalanta, meanwhile, continue to insist that any sale must meet their €50 million asking price, leaving Lookman's domestic future in the balance.
Lookman releases statement about Atalanta transfer request
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Lookman officially submitted a transfer request after Atalanta seemingly blocked his proposed move to Serie A rivals Inter Milan.
The reigning African Player of the Year is believed to be frustrated by his club's unwillingness to let him go after what he called months of broken promises.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
