“I’m an explosive player” – Nigeria’s newest Serie A arrival introduces himself to Italian fans

The Nigeria international quit Germany to open another chapter of his career in Italy during the week

New Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio signing Ademola Lookman has asked fans to look forward to seeing an exciting attacking player when he takes to the pitch.

After many years playing in England and Germany, Lookman completed a permanent move to Italy on Thursday, signing a permanent deal with Atalanta.

Leicester City were at some point the favourites to sign Lookman after the Nigerian winger excelled at the King Power Stadium last term.

But the moment Atalanta joined the race, there was no stopping the Italian side until they finally got their man.

And Lookman is pleased to have joined the Serie A campaigners, noting it was an easy decision to commit to Gian Piero Gasperini’s team.

“I am happy to be here; I am really happy because I have known about the club’s interest in me for some time, and now I am ready to get to work,” the former Everton star told Atalanta’s Youtube channel. 

“Here, it’s incredible; I think Atalanta is a great club, a great club in Italy, and that they play a great attacking football that they like so much and lends themselves to my characteristics. It was a simple decision to make.”

Atalanta finished a disappointing – by their usual standards – eighth in Serie A last term, and Lookman’s arrival suggests the Black and Blues are looking to improve in the new season.

Though calm and cool, the Super Eagles attacker is not one to shy away from a challenge. And the former Fulham loanee has urged the club’s fans to expect him to contribute goals and assists towards the season’s objectives.

“Well, I would say that I am an explosive player, exciting; I like to score and assist,” Lookman said.

“I like to create dangerous situations forward. For the rest I consider myself a chilled, relaxed guy.

“My desire here at Atalanta is to win as much as possible. I want to grow and do well, but at the same time, I want the team to grow also with my contribution because the value of the group is important.”

What can Atalanta fans expect to get from Lookman?

Born on the 20th of October in 1997, Lookman is a fast and skilful winger. The 25-year-old can drift past defenders, attack the depth, and can cover different positions in attack.

Lookman has been terrorising defenders since his teen days.

After making his breakthrough at Charlton Athletic, Lookman joined Everton in 2017 and scored on his Premier League debut in the 4-0 victory over Manchester City.

He was loaned out to RB Leipzig the following year, where he enjoyed a brilliant campaign contributing five goals and four assists in 11 appearances.

The Bundesliga side signed him permanently in the summer of 2019, but he returned to England on different loan spells to play for Fulham first and then Leicester City.

Last season, Lookman netted eight goals and registered five assists for the Foxes in 42 appearances across the league, the English Cups, and the UEFA Europa League.