Ademola Lookman, praised for his relentless work ethic, celebrates his thrilling Champions League performance. Learn more about his reaction here.
Nigerian international striker Ademola Lookman views the UEFA Champions League as an additional opportunity for him to showcase his talents. He expressed excitement over Atalanta’s impressive performance against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.
In their second match against Shakhtar Donetsk following a goalless draw with Arsenal, Lookman and his Atalanta teammates delivered an impressive performance. Lookman scored one goal and played a crucial role in the other two during their thrilling 3-0 victory over the Ukrainian team.
Atalanta put on an impressive performance against a top-tier Champions League team like Shakhtar. The 3-0 victory is outstanding at the European stage, and we’re delighted not only with the win but also with how well we played as a team.
We excelled in duels and throughout each moment of the match. Our aim is to stay on this trajectory,” said the 26-year-old forward who famously netted a remarkable hat-trick during last season’s Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, securing Atalanta’s first European trophy.
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“The Champions League offers something special; every player dreams of competing here. We’re thrilled to be part of it, and our goal now is to preserve this mindset and fight hard in every game we play—both domestically and internationally.”
In response to receiving the Man of the Match award for his performance against Shaktar Donetsk, Lookman commented: “It’s always gratifying to receive these awards. I couldn’t have achieved this without my teammates; we all performed well today.”
Considered a strong favorite to be named the next African Footballer of the Year due to his exceptional recent performances, Lookman was quoted in Italian media as saying he will continue to work hard for Atalanta.
“I’m not sure if people’s perception of me has shifted,” remarked Lookman, who is already on the shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. “I simply focus on improving and getting stronger each day because that’s what matters most to me. Despite my daily hard work, character, and goals, I’ve stayed true to myself.”
Reflecting on Atalanta’s impressive offensive lineup, featuring newcomers such as Zaniolo, Samardzic, and Retegui, Lookman remarked:
“We have an exceptionally strong group of attackers, each with unique qualities. Everyone is eager to play and showcase their skills. Playing alongside such talented players is fantastic for me—they help enhance my game.”
