By Kayode John
Atalanta central defender, Berat Djimsiti, has revealed that players in the team advised Ademola Lookman to “stay calm”, amid speculations linking him with a move to Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Lookman reportedly agreed personal terms with PSG in what looked like an imminent move to the Parc des Princes after Atalanta completed their pre-season.
The Super Eagles forward requested to be left out of the squad for their opening game of the new Serie A season against Lecce and was also not included in the matchday squad at Torino.
Djimsiti explained that the players never doubted the importance of the Nigeria international to the team.
“We know Lookman, he had difficulties in the market but we told him to stay calm and he would return to being a protagonist,” he said according to Italian publication, SOS FANTA, on Monday.
In his first Serie A game of the 2024/2025 season for Atalanta on Sunday, Lookman was the star of the show.
He scored the winning goal and also registered an assist for his side, to propel them to a 3-2 victory at the Gewiss Stadium. He was named the man of the match after the clash.
The performance came after Lookman netting a brace in Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Benin Republic.
He also had a goal controversially ruled out in Eagles’ 0-0 draw with Rwanda in Kigali.
The 26-year-old will be under the spotlight, when Atalanta take on Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League on Thursday.
