Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino has showered encomiums on Ademola Lookman following his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Lookman teamed up with his club teammates earlier than expected after guiding Nigeria to a third-place finish.

The former African Footballer of the Year was initially scheduled to return on Wednesday, January 21.

The 28-year-old however joined his teammates on a day earlier, making himself available for their UEFA Champions League clash against Athletic Bilbao.

Palladino praised Lookman for his dedication to the team in his pre-match press conference.

“On paper, he was supposed to return tomorrow. But he wanted to play in this game at all costs. He’s showing a sense of attachment to this team and I’m happy about that,” he told a press conference.

Lookman registered three goals and five assists before leaving for the AFCON in December.

WDN