Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino has disclosed that Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman requested to leave the club.

The 28-year-old joined Spanish giants Atlético de Madrid in a deal worth €40 million after three-and-a-half seasons in Bergamo.

Despite reportedly being keen on keeping Lookman until the end of the season, Atalanta agreed to sell the former African Footballer of the Year after Atlético Madrid made a suitable offer.

Atalanta had earlier rejected Inter Milan’s €40 million bid for Lookman during the summer transfer window, a decision that reportedly led to a fallout between the player and the club.

Speaking on Lookman’s exit, Palladino stated that the winger wanted a change of environment and that the club respected his decision to move on.

“Lookman had this offer towards the end of the transfer window. He asked to leave and wanted a change of scenery, so the club made him happy,” Palladino told Sport Mediaset.

WDN