Lookman: Atalanta new signing reveals private conversation with Super Eagles star

Jonathan Rowe has revealed that Ademola Lookman played an unexpected part in his decision to join Atalanta, Soccernet.ng reports.

The former Marseille star confessed that a holiday meeting with Nigeria's Lookman gave him a strong impression of life in Bergamo.

The 23-year-old English winger was presented as an Atalanta player on Thursday after joining from Bologna on an initial loan deal that includes an option and a conditional obligation to buy. Atalanta confirmed the move on September 1, with Rowe taking the No. 11 shirt previously worn by Lookman.

Rowe reveals Lookman's private Atalanta pitch

Rowe's move to Atalanta came after several weeks of negotiations, but the club received an unexpected boost from a player who had already experienced life in Bergamo.

That player was Lookman, the Nigeria international who spent three and a half seasons at Atalanta before completing a permanent move to Atlético Madrid in February. During his time in Italy, the Super Eagles forward helped Atalanta win the 2024 Europa League, scoring a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.

Rowe said he met Lookman while both were on holiday during the summer. Their conversation gave him a personal account of what it was like to play for Atalanta, and Rowe admitted that the Nigerian's words influenced his choice.

“I'm very happy to start with Atalanta. It's been a long journey over the past few weeks, but we've finally reached this goal,” Rowe said at his presentation, per TMW. “I hope to do great things here in Bergamo.”

Asked whether it was fair to compare him with Lookman, Rowe made it clear that he wanted to build his own identity rather than copy the Nigerian.

“I'd like to thank the owners, especially Luca Percassi and Giuntoli, for the deal. I think Lookman is a great player. I saw him on vacation, and he spoke highly of Atalanta. This motivated me to choose Atalanta as my destination. He has his qualities on the pitch, and I have mine. We're different, but I hope to use my skills to help Atalanta achieve our goals.”

Lookman joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in August 2022 and became an important attacking player before leaving for Atlético. However, the Super Eagles winger's relationship with the club soured in his latter days in Bergamo after he was denied the chance to join PSG last summer.