Former Napoli sports chief Pierpaolo Marino has slammed Ademola Lookman for being ungrateful over his handling of his transfer away from Atalanta.

The relationship between Lookman and Atalanta has strained after the Serie A club rejected Inter Milan's €45 million bid for him.

The reigning African Footballer of the Year has accused the Bergamo-based club of breaking the promise they made to him last summer, after several clubs showed interest in him.

Lookman has indicated his desire to leave the club after putting in a transfer request last weekend.

The 27-year-old has also skipped the club's training sessions for the last two days, as reports indicate that he has cleared his locker at the Atalanta training grounds.

Sharing his thoughts on Lookman's transfer saga, Marino urged the Super Eagles star to show respect to the club.

“I know the Percassi family well, especially Antonio: he relies heavily on his word, and has never betrayed it, from the smallest to the greatest. I believe Atalanta’s position, which is that Lookman was sold for a sum exceeding €50 million, but abroad, not in Italy.

“The objective is obvious: not to strengthen a competitor. Lookman’s position is the usual one for foreign players who come to Italy, are valued, and then show total ingratitude.

“The comparison with Fiorentina’s (Moise) Kean comes to mind; hats off to him for recognizing the club’s ability to develop him. A possible third wheel? Who knows, it could be Napoli, after losing (Dan) Ndoye: they could reconcile the three parties without leaving anyone defeated, given that Lookman’s behavior is currently causing the club problems.

“I think certain aspects of the contracts need to be reassessed.”

WDN