Sport
“I’ve Always Believed in Myself” – Ademola Lookman Reflects on His Rise with Atalanta
Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has credited Serie A club Atalanta for playing a crucial role in his impressive rise to football stardom.
After a challenging start to his career, Lookman’s move to Atalanta in 2022 proved to be the turning point he needed.
Before joining the Italian club, Lookman struggled to find his footing in the Premier League, having stints at Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City without making a significant impact.
His time at Bundesliga side RB Leipzig also proved difficult, and for a while, it seemed as though his potential might go unfulfilled.
However, everything changed when Lookman made the move to Atalanta.
In just a short time, he transformed into one of the most exciting forwards in Europe, a feat that culminated in him being named Africa’s best player during the prestigious awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco.
Reflecting on his success, Lookman explained that the environment at Atalanta has been key to his development.
“The environment that the club provided for me has been a huge factor in my growth as a player,” he shared in an interview with Flashscore.
“It’s not just about my personal belief in myself, but also about the perfect timing.
I’ve always known I could achieve great things, and now, the time has come.”
Footballer Lamine Yamal speaks on the Ballon d’Or award and shares how he will still be happy if his teammate, Pau Cubarsí, gets the award.
“Last year, for me, Cubarsí was the best young player in the world. Either the Kopa award or the Ballon d’Or should go to him. There’s no difference between us.
“When I won it, I told him that he would be next. If he doesn’t win it for whatever reason, I will give it to him.”
Popular footballer Cristiano Ronaldo speaks on retirement and shares how he actually thought of retiring from international football after the 2026 World Cup.
“I thought about retiring from international football after the World Cup, but I spoke to the president, coach, and I am still here. I am an asset, I can help.”
He adds, “The young kids love me because they see me as an example, and that, for me, is the most important thing. I will continue to do that even when I retire after 10 years.”
Footballer Kylian Mbappé shares that he actually came close to signing with Liverpool.
“I was close to Liverpool. My mum was a big fan of Jurgen Klopp, and the favourite destination for my mum was Liverpool. She wanted me to go there,” Mbappé told The Athletic.
“I didn’t listen because I wanted to play in my city, Paris. I didn’t want to leave my country before I was someone. But yes, my mum was always saying, ‘Liverpool — you’re going to be there, playing at Anfield, it’s going to be insane for you.’ I was like, ‘OK!’
“All the time we were talking. ‘What do you think, Mum?’ She’d say, ‘For me, you have to go to Liverpool.’ I said, ‘OK, OK, OK!’ because Jurgen Klopp was an amazing manager. I met him and had a wonderful relationship with him. I had big respect for him.”
Gallery: Some of the Fits Spotted at Milan Fashion Week
Barack Obama Says Things Could Be Better With Women in Charge
Dove Cameron and Damiano David Tie the Knot in Tuscany
-
Fashion8 hours agoGallery: Some of the Fits Spotted at Milan Fashion Week
-
Politics12 hours agoAnambra Commissioner Law Mefor Speaks on Peter Obi and Soludo
-
Fashion12 hours agoGallery: Beverly Naya in Different Styles & Vibes
-
Entertainment10 hours agoOmowunmi Dada Opens Up About Ending Relationship Over Religious Differences
-
Health12 hours agoThe Rise of Fake Products in Nigeria: How Safe Are We?
-
News9 hours agoBarack Obama Says Things Could Be Better With Women in Charge
-
Entertainment11 hours agoActor Olaide Olabanji Shows Support for Peter Obi For Upcoming Election
-
Sport13 hours agoLamine Yamal Says Pau Cubarsí Deserves Ballon d’Or Recognition