Ademola Lookman: ‘Stay humble!’ – Atalanta coach slams unsettled Super Eagles star’s character

Ademola Lookman has been dropped from Atalanta’s squad for their Serie A clash with Lecce on Sunday, with manager Ivan Juric openly questioning the Nigerian’s commitment and values.

The Croatian described the situation as “truly unpleasant,” stressing that La Dea need players who embody fight and humility. “Lookman won’t be with us. After a meeting with him, I feel we need other things; spirit, fight, humility, work, guys who have to feel the shirt well. Our guys have to do that. I don’t want anything else.”

Speaking further, Juric made clear it was about character as much as footballing ability. “I want a different human level, a different sense of belonging. I have a good relationship with him, but I don’t have to ask him. Damn, we’re Atalanta, we don’t have to beg him. He needs strong, human values.”

Lookman’s transfer debacle with Atalanta

The Super Eagles forward had been at the centre of one of the window’s longest-running sagas, with Internazionale, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Tottenham, and Atlético Madrid all linked with his signature. 

Inter even tabled a €45m bid, but Atalanta rejected the offer, leaving Lookman stuck in Bergamo as the window closed.

Tension with the club hierarchy has simmered since last season, and the 27-year-old’s wish to move on was no secret. Yet, despite strong interest, no club was able to finalise a deal before last Monday’s deadline.

Lookman even refused to train at one point, and handed in a transfer request in a bid to force a move. 

But with no breakthrough and further offers turned down, the Nigeria international stays in Bergamo, though, as Juric has hinted, his future remains far from settled.