Lookman Breaks Silence: What He Told Diego Simeone Before Joining Atletico Madrid

Super Eagles winger, Ademola Lookman, has disclosed that he held direct talks with Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, before completing his move to the Spanish club.
The Nigeria international sealed a switch to the LaLiga giants during the January transfer window, ending his spell with Italian side Atalanta.
Lookman joined the Rojiblancos in a deal reportedly valued at €35 million, with performance-related add-ons that could take the total package to €40 million.
The 28-year-old was officially unveiled on Tuesday at the Riyadh Air Metropolitan auditorium, where he spoke about the role Simeone played in his decision to join the club.
According to Lookman, his conversation with the Argentine coach was positive and reassuring, stressing the importance of communicating directly with the manager he would be working with on a daily basis.
He explained that his style of play is built around dynamism and speed, adding that his main objective is to influence games during decisive moments.
Lookman described his move to Atletico Madrid as a major challenge and a source of pride, noting that it is both a responsibility and a pleasure to represent Nigeria while wearing the colours of one of Europe’s most respected clubs. He also expressed delight at the opportunity to compete in LaLiga, which he described as a very special league.
The transfer brings to an end a long-running transfer saga between Lookman and Atalanta, which had stretched over two seasons, with the forward repeatedly linked with a move away from the Bergamo-based club.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone will be hoping to quickly integrate Lookman into his squad as the club prepares for its Copa del Rey clash against Real Betis, with a place in the next round at stake.