Ademola Lookman’s Childhood Coach Overwhelmed with Pride After Europa League Win

Shortly before the end of the season, Ademola Lookman, a Nigerian international, led Atalanta to an incredible win in the Europa League, breaking Bayer Leverkusen’s extraordinary undefeated run. 

The former Everton attacker, Lookman, took centre stage with a magnificent hat-trick that sealed his team’s championship.

Ademola Lookman opened the score for the game with a neat finish inside the box. This was followed by a well-placed shot from the area’s perimeter and a third goal that ended up in the top-right corner of the net. 

In addition to ending Leverkusen’s season, his performance made clear how important he was to Atalanta’s victory.

Felix, Lookman’s boyhood coach, made an appearance on TNT Sports after the game. He was affected as he spoke about how proud he was of Lookman’s accomplishments. 

Felix, barely able to contain his tears, read aloud an emotional text he wrote to Lookman before the match, urging him to “put the icing on the cake” by winning the Europa League final. 

He thought back to Lookman’s youthful qualities, such as unplayable quickness, inventiveness, and composed finishing, all of which were evident in the championship game.

Before joining Charlton Athletic, Lookman played from 2008 to 2013 at Waterloo, where his road to this peak started. 

Later on in his career, he played for Fulham, Leicester, Everton, and RB Leipzig before settling at Atalanta.

Here, he’s been at his most productive for the season, dishing up 15 goals and 11 assists in all competitions; his most recent game was a career-high point.

Felix’s interview highlighted a path of tenacity and achievement, from an optimistic young player at Waterloo to a European champion at Atalanta, praised by those who were there while his goal was still in the early stages of development.

‘I can’t tell you my emotions,’ he added. ‘Sky high, I’ve been dreaming about this for a long time since he was a kid at Waterloo. I’d just like to say a few words to a couple of ‘ he coaches at Waterloo, and all the people who have worked with Ademola to try and get him where he is. 

‘I cried when the third goal went in, and I don’t cry! People are probably watching this now and going, “You big sissy!” ‘

‘ I’m so glad for Ade,’ his former teacher continued. ‘He works so hard; he’s a quiet lad—something; he’s misunderstood for his quietness—but he’s a great kid who wants to learn, wants to always get better, and wants to reach the top. 

‘To be honest with you, he thrives on the big stage; he loves it and he’s never been frightened of it. When we used to take him for trials, I would be more nervous than him, he would be calm and cool and get the job done. 

‘Such a wonderful kid. I’ve been with him since he was nine at Waterloo, and he always wanted to be a footballer; that’s the only thing he ever wanted to do.

I’d like to make a shoutout to Ade’s father, who was a big influence and played a big part in getting Ade to where he is.’

Lookman’s heroics ended a 61-year wait for silverware as Atalanta added just their second-ever trophy after the Italian Cup in 1963.