The striker attacks the club on social media: “There was an agreement to let me go in the event of a suitable offer, I don’t understand why they won’t let me go. I have given everything to this shirt and I am being treated badly as a man and as a professional.”

Ademola Lookman has come out into the open. He did so with an Instagram post in which he expressed his desire to leave Atalanta. “After three extraordinary years in Bergamo, I believe it is time to move on and try a new adventure. There have been numerous clubs that have approached Atalanta in the past and I have always been loyal. Now, however, the club’s owners and I agree that now is the right time and the club has been clear with me: if a suitable offer came in, they would let me go.” The Nigerian striker makes direct reference to Inter’s offer of $42 million plus $3 million in bonuses: “Now, despite a proposal being made in line with what was discussed, sadly the club is blocking the opportunity for reasons I cannot understand.”

“Over the last three years, I have given everything, not only as a player but also as a person. I have always worn the shirt with pride, trying to represent the club and the city of Bergamo with pride, passion, and dedication. I came here hoping to help this special club and grow together, and we have created memories that I will carry with me forever. Winning the Europa League, standing shoulder to shoulder with my teammates that night in Dublin celebrating with the fans is one of the moments in my career that makes me most proud. It still gives me goosebumps to think about it. Atalanta, especially the fans, are part of me. I have felt at home here since the day I arrived and have always tried to repay this love, even in moments when things have not been easy behind the scenes. That is what makes what I am writing difficult. I have loved every moment, but I believe that now is the time for a change.”

farewell—  “The result is that, after many months of broken promises and what I believe to be poor treatment of me as a person and as a professional, I unfortunately see no other choice but to take a stand for what I believe is right. I can confirm that I have submitted a transfer request. Even through the difficult times I have gone through, many of which have remained private and confidential, I have always tried to put the club, the fans, and the team first, and I hoped it would not come to this, but I do not believe there is any other choice. To the fans, the heart and soul of this club, I want to say: I am truly sorry that it has come to this. I hope you can understand this difficult situation. It is simply a matter of taking a stand for what I believe is right for me. The support you have given me has always been extraordinary, and the bond we have created is special. I hope we can work together with the club to find a solution that is amicable for everyone as soon as possible. With love and gratitude.”