Atalanta Fans Tag Ademola Lookman Ungrateful
Ademola Lookman’s return to Atalanta’s first team has been greeted with anger from some supporters, who have labelled the Nigerian forward “ungrateful”.
The 26-year-old had been frozen out since the start of the season after a row with the club’s management. He had asked to leave in August following Atalanta’s decision to reject a €45m offer from Inter Milan. Lookman later criticised the club in a long Instagram post, accusing them of mishandling the situation.
The Super Eagles star skipped most of pre-season, spending weeks in England before rejoining the squad only five days before the Serie A opener. Head coach Ivan Juric then left him out of all matchday squads until his return to training this week.
However, not all fans are pleased with his reinstatement. A banner spotted in Bergamo read:
“No. 11 reintegrated but for us, you remain ungrateful.”
Atalanta president Antonio Percassi has urged calm, stressing that Lookman must show full focus if he is to play again.
“We know his quality, but to play here you have to be 100% committed. When he’s ready, we’ll welcome him back with open arms,” he told reporters.
Lookman’s future remains uncertain. Despite the fallout at club level, he has stayed sharp with Nigeria during World Cup qualifiers. His pace and creativity could be vital as Atalanta compete in both Serie A and Europe this season.
Last term, Lookman was one of Atalanta’s top performers, finishing as their second-highest scorer and contributing key goals in Europe. His return could boost the squad, but whether he can repair his fractured relationship with the fans is yet to be seen.
For now, Lookman is back in the team – but questions remain over whether the supporters will forgive him or if a January transfer will again be on the table.
