“Very special” – Ademola Lookman’s first words as an Atletico Madrid player

Ademola Lookman unveiled as an Atletico Madrid player. [Photo Credit/ Atletico de Madrid on X].

Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman has revealed his delight after he sealed a 40 million euro deal to join Atletico Madrid, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old moved to Bergamo in 2022 on the back of unsuccessful spells with RB Leipzig, Everton, Leicester City and even Fulham.

Atalanta’s €16.1m gamble paid off as the Nigerian became a mainstay under Gian Piero Gasperini, even if they eventually fell apart towards the end of the manager’s stay with the club.

Under Gasperini, Lookman scored 52 goals and provided 22 assists in 119 games under the Italian manager.

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Alongside, he made history, becoming the first-ever player to score a hat-trick in the final of a UEFA club competition that birthed Atalanta’s maiden major trophy.

Soccer Lookman delighted to join Atletico Madrid

After penning an emotional goodbye message to Atalanta yesterday evening, the former RB Leipzig man is looking unto better things with Diego Simeone’s men.

“Very special to be here, I’m very happy to be here,” the 2024 CAF Player of the Year told Atletico Madrid media.

🎥 Conoce a Ademola Lookman. Te ofrecemos su primera entrevista como jugador rojiblanco.

❝Estoy muy feliz de estar aquí; es un club increíble y enorme❞. pic.twitter.com/q8aPM0Fhpg

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) February 3, 2026

“Yeah, it’s an amazing, massive club, so it’s a blessing to be here, I’m very happy.

“As you said, I’ve played in three other top leagues, and I’m coming to another top league, a top country and also a new language.

“I have new challenges ahead of me, but I’m very excited about them. I’m looking forward to it, I like to learn, to grow and to be better,” Lookman continued.

“I’ve been looking forward to coming here, to joining a group of amazing guys, amazing footballers, and to help as much as I can to win.

“To be the best that I can every single day to learn to improve, to get better. It’s a new challenge, and I’m passionately behind the team. I’m very much behind them.

“They live and breathe football, I’m very aware of the fans and the passion they bring to the club and to the players. This team is very special. Aupa Atleti,” the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup winner concluded.

Lookman can make his debut for Atletico Madrid in two days. Diego Simeone’s side take on Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey quarter-final at the Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla.

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.

With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.

A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.