Ex-Italy and Napoli striker Michele Padovano has slammed Ademola Lookman for the way he claims to have dealt with Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in him.
Lookman, who has been with Atalanta since 2022, played a key role in their run to the Coppa Italia final last season and scored a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
His impressive performances also helped the Super Eagles of Nigeria secure second place in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Lookman’s Response to Transfer Speculation
Following interest from French champions PSG, Lookman requested to be excluded from Atalanta’s matches until his future was resolved.
This move, echoed by his teammate Teun Koopmeiners, did not sit well with Padovano, who viewed it as disrespectful to the Bergamo-based club.
Padovano, who also played for Crystal Palace during his career, took to Instagram to express his disappointment.
Padovano’s Public Critique
On his Instagram page, Padovano wrote, “Lookman should have respect for Atalanta because, in previous years, he has not really exploded.Atalanta gave him the opportunity to become an important player, and this attitude does not give him credit.”
View this post on Instagram
The former striker emphasized that Lookman’s decision to distance himself from the team amid transfer speculation was ungrateful to the club that helped him elevate his career.
Paris Saint-Germain reportedly offered Ademola Lookman a significant salary increase, with the proposed terms seeing his salary jump from €1.8 million to €4.5 million annually.
In a recent report from Sportsbuddy, the Super Eagles winger earlier remarks before facing Real Madrid in the UEFA Super cup final backfired as they lost the game 2-0.
As the transfer saga continues, Lookman’s decision has sparked debate, with Padovano’s comments highlighting the tension between loyalty to the current club and the allure of a lucrative move.
