Ademola Lookman has confirmed his departure from Atalanta after an unforgettable spell that saw him etch his name into the club’s history books with a Europa League final hat-trick and claim Africa’s most prestigious individual honour.
The 27-year-old Nigerian forward penned an emotional farewell message to the Bergamo faithful on Monday evening after completing a £30.3m deal with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.
News.ng reports that Monday’s signing brought an end to a remarkable chapter that delivered Atalanta’s first major European trophy in over six decades.
“To the Atalanta family, after nearly four years, the time has come for me to say goodbye,” Lookman wrote in his statement. “From the moment I arrived in Bergamo, you welcomed me like one of your own and pushed me to be the best version of myself.”
Lookman’s legacy at the Gewiss Stadium will forever be defined by that magical night in Dublin in May 2024, when his stunning hat-trick demolished Bayer Leverkusen 3–0 in the Europa League final, ending Atalanta’s 61-year wait for silverware.
“Together we made history. European champions, a night none of us will ever forget,” the forward reflected. “Scoring a hat-trick in a European final and lifting a trophy with this club after a 61-year trophy drought will stay with me.”
That extraordinary performance propelled Lookman to continental recognition, as he was crowned CAF African Player of the Year in December 2024 — becoming the first Atalanta player to win the prestigious award.
“Winning the Africa Player of the Year award in 2024 as an Atalanta player will forever stay with me,” he added. “Those moments, those emotions, those nights under the lights, they’re engraved in my heart.”
The former Everton and RB Leipzig man saved his warmest words for the Atalanta supporters, whose unwavering passion created an indelible bond.
“To the fans, your passion, your belief, your energy meant everything. From day one, you stood by me and by this team through every moment,” Lookman said. “Every cheer, every banner, every away trip meant something. Thank you for making Bergamo feel like home and for giving me memories I’ll carry forever.”
His parting message concluded with gratitude in Italian: “Grazie di tutto, ciao.”
